What kind of football is United FC playing?

Definitely, Dan “Dans” Malesela’s boys do not copycat Barcelona's style as many suggest. There is an amazing 1995 video of two Under-12 teams from the School of Excellence that shows those kids playing exactly the same football as United's.(Fortunate those who still have that incredible video). Obviously there was no 'tika-taka' inspiration at that time.

Then it was the 2000 Mamelodi Sundowns Academy that again displayed the same highly attractive and winning game philosophy. More recently, the Under-19 PUK Tawana experiment that in 2009 stunned Platinum Stars in the Nedbank Cup also impressed with this genuine SA made football.

In addition there have been winning performances of Kaizer Chiefs (1986-88 and 2003-2005) and Mamelodi Sundowns (1998-2000) where many game features (passing, dribbling and tactical improvisation) were used according to the nature of SA players.

This skilful and intelligent possession football blended with individual creativity, unrestricted tactics and mobility IS NOT COMING FROM COACHING MANUALS, e.g., SAFA's modules, OR PRECONCEIVED PATTERNS AND INSTRUCTIONS. IT CAN ONLY BE PATIENTLY DEVELOPED BY CONNECTING THE BRAIN WITH THE BALL AND THE BODY - It's called Maximal Training.

Some academies such 'IZICHWE' (Thabo Dladla), 'MIDAS' (Prof. Jeevanantham), 'UMGUNGUNDLOVU' ('Mdu' Madlala) and other few have great success by following the same SA playing mentality. Alongside Dan Malesela there are other coaches who share the same philosophy - Zipho Dlangalala, Sudesh Singh (currently introducing Maximal Training in Asia), Gavin Johnson, Thabo Dladla, Floyd Mogale, Sam Mbatha, Bongani Yengwa, Mandla Mazibuko, Thabo Makalakalane and few others.

If it hasn't been for the jealousy, ignorance and prejudice of those influential local enemies of SA football who opposed and undermined this philosophy – developed specifically for the characteristics of SA players – the country could already be top in Africa and among 20 in the world. Proudly and uncompromisingly I am preaching this kind of football - the only one that matters.

By Dumitru Ted

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