Goalkeeper
Itumeleng Khune - He played one of
his best Bafana game against Morocco. He conceded soft goals due to poor
marking by our defence but he made two critical saves that denied Morocco an
opportunity to progress to the second round.
His ball distributions were simple the best. His man of the match
performance saved the Nation.
Defence
Anele Ngcongca - He had quite first
half without any offensive moves but came back guns blazing in the 2nd half
making promising attacking moves. He combined well with Thuso Phala.
Tshepo Masilela - His confidence
skyrocket after decent game against Angola. He was calm and collected at the
back. He won some crucial tackles but his ball distribution needs some
fine-tuning going forward. Overall he had a decent game but his problem is lack
of offensive move to add attacking depth at the left wing.
Bongani Khumalo - Khumalo failed to
command and control the defence. He failed to lead by an example. He was caught
napping several times. He lost many aerial balls despite his height ability.
The captain is not combining well with Siyabonga Sangweni as two dangerous balls
leaked which resulted to one on one situation with a keeper but Khune managed
to make two crucial saves. The captain doesn't inspire confidence to the entire
team.
Siyabonga Sangweni - He had an awful
moment in the game by giving away dangerous balls cheaply that nearly cost the
nation. He was also caught napping at the back just like his partner in crime Khumalo.
His combination with Khumalo is a recipe for disaster. The two players hardly
communicate with each other. His goal
eclipsed all the bad moments in the game. He must be converted to a striker as
he has sharp eye for the goal.
Midfield
Dean Furman - He was very solid
in the midfield winning crucial tackles coupled with precise ball distribution.
He was marvelous to watch.
May Mahlangu - He was very
effective with nice offensive moves unlocking the defence of Morocco easily. He
real worked hard throughout the game but his defending was not up to scratch
when we were under siege. The boys scored a world class goal that bring back
the confidence and hope to the boys and the entire nation
Thuso Phala - Very good going forward
but his final touches was disappointing after working hard just to lose ball
cheaply. He blistering pace gave Morocco left back a serious headache. The boy
is improving game after game and now he is a new expert of set pieces after his
goal bound set piece was saved by Morocco keeper.
Bernard Parker - The coach is
always playing him out of the position as a left winger. He is trying his best
playing at the wing. He fought hard collecting balls deep going forward. He
also demonstrated some defensive ability by winning some important
tackles.
Strikers
Tokelo Rantie - He created first
goal but his runs are not well calculated. He has poor decision making as he is
forever focusing on make unnecessary non-stop runs. He is not yet a team
player. He is ill discipline striker
with unnecessary runs. He is not yet a complete striker as he lacks an ability
to protect balls upfront and his heading ability is too also poor. He must be
tried as right winger than supporting striker.
Katlego Mphela - He is not fit and
sharp. He has been given enough chance to redeem his pride but his performance
is disappointing. He was a passenger in
the train without adding any attacking value. The hunger of scoring goals is
gone. When he is playing is like Bafana is playing with 10 men. He is not ready
to play at the highest level. We have no choice but to play him but he is the
weakest link upfront.
Thulani Serero - Came in and add some
attacking value but faded towards the end of the game. His blistering pace
opened up the space for his teammates. He is coming okay but not yet fit to
play 45 minutes of the game. He is a good super sub towards the end of the
game.
Conclusion
Our
boys played long balls despite failing to win them against tall Morocco
defence. Our wing play was not effective at the left wing whilst our defence
was not at its best. Our boys did well to progress to the second round but we
nearly kicked the bucket. It was nail biting, nerves wrecking and
Amprrrrrrrrrrrr moment but we survived.
In
Bafana, I believe!
By Owen Mundalamo
