tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50454167391099328102024-03-14T11:31:44.982+02:00e-DiskiFootball the way you never thought of. Totally exclusive technical and tactical analysis.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1618125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-51346621524955018002017-09-21T13:52:00.000+02:002017-09-21T13:52:02.539+02:00Highlanders Bosso Tshilamoya - The shrewd coaches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Barry Daka - one of the best)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In each Highlanders Bosso generation, one cannot single out one player or coach for greatness. They always were an incredulous unit of workmanship and entertainers. Bosso had great coaches who moulded the players into a livewire football team that kept the City of Kings electrified week-in and week out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This would always be the scenario whether the team was home or away, with very loud and black and white roadshows every weekend. All of these coaches were gifted differently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barry Daka, - this man breathed, ate and slept football. Bhibhiza had the style. He spent lots of times reading new football concepts. He kept himself up to date with modern coaching methods. The time of his vision had not yet arrived in his era such that his stay as head coach was characterised by exciting but less fruitful seasons.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He coached the teams with the likes of David Phiri, Alex Maseko, Douglas British Mloyi, Abraham Madondo, Nhamo Shambira, Titus Majola, Thuthani Moyo and Benjamin Matambanadzo Mpofu to name but a few. UBarry, as many know him, had played and coached Olympics, a team he founded after a rebellious fallout with Highlanders in the early 1980s. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I worked with Barry on a very successful project at Railstars, taking the team from the First Division to the Premier League in very dramatic fashion. As his assistant and goalkeeper coach, I went on to add a portfolio of team management and I leant a lot from the man.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He assisted Wieslow Graboskwi in the 1995 All Africa Games in Harare, winning a silver medal with the Under 23 team. He coached the Zimbabwe national team on numerous occasions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cosmos Zulu was a hard man of football. Tsano, as he is popularly known, believed in shaping the team’s physical frame and demanding the best. He was very much result-oriented. He did managerial duties for the team as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He worked with Captain Oxo – Peter Nkomo, Mackey Nyathi, Nqobizitha Humptey Maenzanise, Fanuel Malume Ncane Ncube, Madinda Ndlovu, the list is endless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tsano also trained goalkeepers, including myself, and went on to work with Amazulu of Bulawayo in a very successful stinct as a coach and manager over Usuthu's existance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Roy Barretto was very versatile and shrewd, probably the best and most successful of the lot to date. URoy believed in the same school of thought as Barry Daka, that of modernising the game plans and training methods. He spent his energies on statistics and data to manipulate his opponents and to psyche his players. He got the most out of players.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even better, he had an incredible crop of Adam and Peter Ndlovu, Cleopas Nkatha Dlodlo, Benjie Nkonjera, Thabani B-Car Moyo, Boy Ndlovu, Rahman Gumbo and so many others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">UMkula got this crop to play the most exciting football that brought results. It is always tough to balance this blend. His technical team included Brry Daka, Tsano and Doctor Vik Naik.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barretto had been very succesful with Zimambwe Saints and worked very well as assistant to Reihard Fabisch during the Dream Team era.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Madinda Ndlovu is probably the most under-rated Bosso coach. Shakes had an unbelievable eye for talent. He was an inspirational coach who dug out for Thulani Ncube, Bekithemba Ndlovu, Siza Khoza, Gift Lunga Jnr, Amon Chimbalanga, Thabani Mqwayi Masawi, Noel Kaseke and so on. He sacrificed his reputation and job trying to bring youngsters to the fore.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Temperamental as he was, he gave the small boys the belief in themselves and they grew up to be a force. Many people still do not believe in his work, but he was great for the team. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Madinda played a prominent role for the team as a winger and scorer of many goals and he played football in Germany. He coached in Botswana as well as Black Mambas of Harare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The late Willard Mashinkila Khumalo will always remind me of Madinda in some ways. They both had a way to work with players at training. They had incredibly exciting drills that got the boys working. I think the players felt intimidated by the status and class of these geniuses. Who could not have been?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While their personalities were worlds apart, they were both an unlucky pair. They did not get results when they needed them. As usual, fans were never patient enough to see the growth of their teams. Widzo played for many teams like Caps United and Lancashire Steel and coached Mwana Africa among other teams. He had several coaching jobs in Botswana too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rahman Gumbo was the most successful coach for Bosso. When Madinda Ndlovu was relieved of his duties, the young boys were down and out. They were young and feeling bad because of the press and fans. Not winning is one thing, but if the fans are not helping, it is a death knell to the fragile minds of young footballers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rush took their broken hearts to his advantage. He gave them direct challenges with the exceptional motivation he had probably leant overseas as a layer and working with both Barretto and Fabisch. That worked wonders for the young boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was during the days that Siza Khoza was hottest, Zenzo Zemura Moyo was a prolific goal scorer, Alexander Phiri a midfield workhorse, Blessing Gumiso a dominating force, Thulani Biya Ncube the perfect specimen of a footballer, Johannes Tshisa Ngodzo shoe shine pianist, Tapuwa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kapini flamboyant goalkeeper, Melody Wafawanaka the fortress and Eddie Dube the darling of the crowd.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boys always ran like there was no tomorrow. The Stadium was always full to the bream and the mood was on such a drug high. Rush coach the team to be a source of the reason to live for so many fans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People started composing songs and remixing in a way never known before.You will remember the Gwindi song, the ‘Cry Mantengwane’ and ‘Babebulalo’ Baba’. This for me was the most successful and most successful part. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The dent here was the Sable de Batie and Young African Africa Champions’ League</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">games. That was too bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eddie May is regarded by many as the main man, a true expatriate and professional. He took Rahman Gumbo’s team with its momentum. He was very fortunate to have Ernest Maphepha by his side. The late Eddie was a little negative when he started, being too defensive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of his first few matches, he played at home against Dynamos and I was doing a live</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TV commentary analysis on the game. He played with five defenders who battled to contain Norman Maroto. Bosso lost that match with Maroto scoring. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Things improved very much from that time on. At one point, he played six strikers in a match. In the days of Eddie Nyika and later, Adam Ndlovu and Stuart Murisa, the team won the championship with a 20-point gap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The young players like Honour Gombami and Johannes Ngodzo pushed their game a notch higher and flourished. Bosso became rolling stone, winning championships at will. Technically speaking, Eddie was good enough to keep the status quo Rahman had left. He was one of the best.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">("<i>Sathathu Eddie Dube, sathathu Eddie Nyika, Highlander, iteam yezwe lonke. Sathathu Eddie May, kuselu Edie Murphy, Highlander ....."</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes down the line, there were others like Dick Chama. He was an ordinary passionate coach. He really did not impact much in the success of the team, probably because of the challenge of living up to the predecessors. He remained a professional who worked hard for the team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Methembe Ndlovu brought a different style of play and went for about half a season without a loss. Mayor won the league championship with about six matches remaining. His system revolved to be rigid and unexciting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was no patience with the management and fans for him to do different things to turn the fortunes of the team around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a long history of other coaches, there is Bobby Clark of the Bobby circuit that we covered on the blog previously, as well as Bill Asbury. Others like Lawrence Phiri played vital roles that</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">combined with being team managers as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In later years, Highlanders hired Mohammed Fathi of Egypt. Fathi was assisted by Mkhuphali Masuku, a former club midfielder who also played for Amazulu. Fathi coache at the worst ossible economic era for the country and team and had success to write home about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr Cooper also tried his best with Bekithemba Ndlovu and made a reasonable impact under tough conditions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bongani Mafu coached Highlanders FC for just under a season,but was very unlucky to get the desired results. Mafu came in with a lot of exprience from Europe and some claim his coaching methods were too complicated for the boys and therefore did not benefit the team much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His previous coaching experience with Zimbabwe Saints, had proved his capability as a very smart and clever coach. Bongani had coaching stincts in Botswana before and after leaving Highlanders and he also worked with Sunday Chidzambwa as a COSAFA team assistant in the 2017 South Africa COSAFA Cup.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As for me, many people do not have a clue who I am or was. I was never the coach. I was just a Technical Advisor, to Rahman Gumbo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The question as to who was the greatest, will always hinge on where you were at that time. Some were the best, others lucky and few successful. Of course for me, least known.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-41111581594951794722017-09-14T09:50:00.000+02:002017-09-14T10:00:23.553+02:00Highlanders Bosso - The Great Strikers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No better class - Adam (RIP), Madinda and Peter </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, I heard about strikers who scored goals as if it was about to become illegal, and I thought, nothing describes Adam Ndlovu better, especially during the season he left to Switzerland or Zenzo Moyo before he went to Cyprus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Usually, people would say that players scored like it is going out of fashion, then you think of Barry Daka, Cavin Dubley, Tymon Mabaleka, Mark Watson, Majuta Mpofu, Chris Mhlanga, Edward Dzowa, Itai Chieza, Ray Makhanda and Doubt Sithole among a host of others who played in the 1970s and early 1980s.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Among the later generations, Mulenga Chewe, Collins Nyamiya, Thabani Masawi, Cyprian Kanyemba, Lewis Mangezha Kutinyu and Austin Juwayiyeyi are still fresh memories to the many fans who filled the stadia to witness true seduction in football terms. Chewe played for Railstars together with Nyambiya before crossing the floor to Bosso. Their work rate was among the best seen during their time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The talented Ralph Matema and Obadiah Tarumbwa were a new generation of firebrand strikers who scored at will. Matema played a key role for the Bossolona era where he was referred to as Ralphto'o, for his Samuel Eto'o class. It was a time when the Cameroonian freely scored for Barcelona in La Liga and Europe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Madinda Ndlovu became a feared striker because of his everything. His name became as much of a brand name as Bosso itself. His pace, dribbling, shooting, scoring and the crossing were amazing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He had the shear arrogance of someone doing the business he knows, and he knew that he knew his business and wanted the world to know that. Names like ‘Juluka’ (the flowing one) or ‘Khathazile’ (the troublemaker) give you an idea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An old-fashioned winger, an envy of many coaches at the time, he stayed on the wing and dribbled his way through at high speed. He would play on either wing, preferring the right to the left and packing canon shots with either foot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Adam Ndlovu had indescribable finishing ability. His art of scoring was something one cannot coach. ‘Adamski’ became top-goal scorer several times scoring goals you may never see in your life. He perfected the art. ‘Mirro’’s lethal finish combined power and brains. He manipulated defenders and beat them either on mind games or by physical strength. He was a typical Number 9.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Peter Ndlovu needs no introduction as even the opposition would stand and cheer at the sheer artistry, pace, body swerve, dribble and scoring ability. ‘Nsukuzonke’ was so nimble-footed with amazing take-off pace as if he was blown by the wind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For his age when he first came in, he had the courage to take on a lion. Peter went on to have a very long blessed career in England. He started at Coventry City, his debut goal came against David Seamen, then Arsenal and England goalkeeper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He went on to play for Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday. Owing to his speed with and without the ball, he was nicknamed the ‘Bulawayo Bullet’ by some and the ‘Flying Elephant’.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Among his many tremendously great goal collection that included a ‘twist and turns’ and a rifled cracker at Barbourfields Stadium when on a national under-23 team against Tunisia, he scored a once in a life time double shuffled near-post placement on the left against South Africa at the National Sports Stadium in that 4-0 drubbing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The diminutive and combative Nhamo Shambira was such a clever player of silent assassin qualities. He made big boys like my friend Misheck Marimo look lost. His heading prowess was envy to many. His predatory instincts were amazing. He scored some of the most valuable goals in the club's history, especially cup finals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many will remember the Cup final at Barbourfields Stadium when he headed in a goal with about 15 minutes of play left, a ball from a free kick to destroy Dynamos. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Morgan Phiri was one speedy winger of great take-off and dribbling ability. ‘Mdududu’ was a proper version of a 1000 cc motorbike. People would say the man was faster than the ball, but he was a marvel to watch on the left.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dumisani Ngulube was another goal poacher, such a fine finisher and great goalkeepers like the late John Sibanda and Japheth Mparutsa could tell of his aggression. ‘Tshimbitshimbi’ scored many vital goals. He was a Spenser for hire for sure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was Nkululeko Chunky Dlodlo who was a crucial striker, who was aggressive and arrogant. He was a goal scorer of note and later playing for the First Division championship winning Railstars. Thulani Nxumalo was mercurial and stunning. He proved to be clever and scored a few cheeky goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tanny Banda was something we will never see again. His feet were literally magnetic and fast. His</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">speed and dribbling were an unbelievable combination that no other player had.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Tanny is a Banda’ was one you could bet on dribbling the entire team. People said he dribbled everyone including both linesmen and the referee on his way to scoring. There are no words invented yet that can describe the talent we are talking about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maxmillion Ndlovu would beat anyone without trouble. ‘Boy’ toasted and roasted defenders like there was no tomorrow. With his run of short little steps, his acceleration towards goal was not always amazing as when he ran at a defender and started doing his business.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He would isolate himself at the centre line and touch line corners waiting to pounce. More often than not, many forgot he existed and the stadium would erupt into cheer as soon as he was on flight. He set up many goals. Again, one has to re-invent the English language or even some African words to put a correct picture of what this man was capable of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tobias Mudyambanje is a player engraved in the hearts of supporters for many good reasons. He was a pure goal machine. He was a clever and deceptive forward who scored beautiful and precious goals with his head, especially in Cup competitions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jerry Sibanda joined Highlanders from Gwanda Ramblers. He was very strong and speedy. He had</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">courage and a great eye for goal. He was a welfare team manager until recently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thamsanqa Tambo was a stocky and hot acquisition from Ziscosteel. ‘Kabila’ screened and protected the ball well and scored many wonderful and thunderous goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Makwinji Soma-Phiri, you will not get a better header of the ball anywhere. He timed his runs perfectly, and he would out jump any defender. His technique was to jump early and high. It would seem he stayed in the air until the ball came.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Abraham Madondo was such an influential attacker and great crosser of the ball. He played on either wing and had such passion for the game. He packed powerful and accurate shots with either foot. He was one of the few players to have played for Dynamos and Highlanders.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cyprian Kanyemba was a very speedy right-winger who played flowing football. He was superb when on flight going for goal. Cypie had a lot of fun when playing and enjoyed his football in a way that was visible to the fans in the stands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gift Lunga Senior was an accomplished finisher. He spent his earlier years deputising the Ndlovu brothers and became known as a ‘Super-sub’. He turned, twisted, and shot very well. His many goals put Bosso on a high-level platform for many years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Austin Juwayiyeyi joined Bosso from Fire Batteries of Harare. He dribbled very well and scored fantastic goals. He was a live wire type of player who made things happen out of nothing. He fried his opponents very well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lewis Kutinyu was another fantastic player who could work on either wing without trouble. His ball control and appetite for a goal were great. Kutinyu was unfortunate as he attracted many rough tackles from the defenders he harassed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Darlington Phiri played for Black Rhinos, Amazulu and Railstars and did not really gel with the team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eugene Langa also came in and did not live up to expectation. He was a fine player at Zimbabwe Saints.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Zenzo Moyo will be the best striker ever for so many people. Strong, arrogant and determined, he had</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">passion to do well all the time and scored many beautiful goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">‘Zemura’ cried for losing small-sided games played at camp amongst teammates. That is how much winning it for Bosso meant to ‘Zemura’.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thabani Masawi dribbled with his easy and lazy looking style that astounded everyone. Sis T’s fragile appearance did not match the strike of his shots and a high number of goals he scored.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for the quality of those goals, you will not see anything better anytime soon. ‘Mqwayi’ combined so well with ‘Zemura – Zandl’ ezibomvu’.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joel Luphahla complemented Zemura well before he left for Cyprus. Luphahla’s pace was incredible. His goals were fewer than the assists he supplied to his fellow strikers as he squared the ball well with his cutbacks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Both Zenzo and Joel plied their trade in Cyprus for a long time and Luphahla winded up his career at Platinum Stars before his short comeback at Bosso.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sawusto Phiri was excellent. His tactical awareness was top-drawer stuff and his finishing just as exquisite. ‘Special Meat’ would deliver day in and day out with his tremendous speed towards goal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stuart Murisa was one gem of a striker having a great telepathic relationship with ‘Adamski’. ‘Shutto's game showed the maturity of a player who was very serious. He scored great goals and made football look so easy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dube and Nyika were the two Eddies Highlanders would never forget. The attacking and penetrating force of the duo was so heart stopping that they were a pair defenders had nightmares about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eddie Nyika overcooked his tricks sometimes, but when they worked, it sent the electricity down your spine.Eddie Dube was a bulldozing and stubborn workhorse that could do everything but shoot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eddie Dube's shooting was terrible but improved with time. He scored one of the best goals seen at Luveve Stadium.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mandla Balanda tickled me with his game, like his brother Clement. They caressed the ball with their feet. Mandla’s trickery included a backflip over the defenders’ heads and controlling the ball on the other side, fry his man and accelerate, wait for the defender and push the ball through his legs before sending him to the shops.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clement had opponents showing him their shirt number, run over the ball and going in one direction and coming back to kind of polish the leather sphere. He would scoop the ball up and the bamboozled defenders would hold the ball by their hands. There are no words to describe what they could do. For Mandla, the misfortune with scoring made his career at Bosso shorter than it should have been.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Zambian machine called Kelvin Kaindu came in as an exciting winger who took on defenders at will and scored great goals. This boy was amazing. Kelvin had an unfortunate Highlanders career littered by injuries. He returned to Bosso as a coach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tapela Ngwenya was a hard running player who scored many goals. His football was simple and straightforward. Cyclone thrived on through balls and his finishing would not complement his efforts sometimes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other fantastic and pacey strikers like Thabani ‘B-Car’ Moyo who was an explosive striker with high pace. His close ball control at that high pace was incredulous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wayne Albertyn was himself a maestro of the game. He enjoyed his game very much and was superb with the ball. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They both left for overseas before they could set the town alight but their contribution was immense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of the beautiful goals witnessed by the Highlanders fans never fade away for the sheer quality. Some were pure cannons shelled from long distances while others were genuine touches of class and magic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Supporting these brave men who faced rough tackles from the likes of Size Torindo, Sunday Marimo, Simon Mugabe, Misheck Sibanda, Stonshed Moyo, Benedict Moyo and Ephraim Chawanda, was the minimum fans could do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The whistles and breaking into song and cheering the team attack after attack propelled the team to greater heights with each outing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even on dark days, people came back the following week knowing that the boys would not let them down, and they delivered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you remember the days zokhwelo??? Hayi suka mani!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-29482644315575454282017-09-12T17:50:00.004+02:002017-09-12T17:56:45.743+02:00Highlanders versus Dynamos red card - too much farce about nothing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Highlanders and Dynamos rivalry that never ends)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We live in very interesting times with all the unfortunate situations popping up from various sources with unclear intentions but obvious consequences. <br /><br />To start with, football is a game played under a set of laws and unlike other sports who have rules. And there is a difference between laws and rules.<br /><br />It must be noted that football is run by the custodians of the game in any given territory, and as an association sport, members who play it, do form that association as they associated. <br /><br />Those who associated, participate in a league in which they have rules and regulations governing that particular competition. The referee enforces the law at all times and his decisions are final. It is always about his own opinion.<br /><br />Highlanders and Dynamos played a 1-1 draw over the weekend in a match where one Dynamos player was dismissed (red-carded) for dangerous play. Here we will only use football language. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highlanders, like Dynamos, play football under the auspices of association football and are members of Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), but playing in the competition sanctioned by ZIFA, called the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (ZPSL).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ZIFA and ZPSL have competitions and these competitions have the rules governing them and are clear to both parties. Of course, somewhere along the way ther is either a fol, a clown or a vicitm.<br /><br />One must note that the associations of each territory come together as equal members of an international body called FIFA. FIFA has a special body governing the laws of the game, the IFAB (International Football Association Board).<br /><br />According to IFAB, only special members can make special decisions outside the field of play. Otherwise, the referee's decisions are final at all times. <br /><br />This is the reason why the English Premier League can look at the incidents on video and make decisions according. That special dispensation is not common to all members. <br /><br />One reason for its acceptance in England and possibly a few more members now is that technology available leaves no doubt about anything, as there are multiple cameras to view the same incident.<br /><br />All said and done, there are always impartial committees to review each incident weekly. These uninterested parties are experts in what they do, in terms of laws and technology.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />In the matter at hand, Zimbabwe Referees Committee (ZRC) chairman happens to be the Zimbabwe Football Association chairperson, Philip Chiyangwa. He is a known Dynamos sympathiser.<br /><br />The question arises as to why he got involved in a Zimbabwe Premier League matter, as the competition is not a ZIFA baby? <br /><br />ZIFA cannot find themselves handling an appeal from any team for a competition they do not run unless the case has been escalated to that level. To nullify the red card shown to Dynamos striker Christian Epoupa Ntouba on Sunday at Rufaro Stadium shows some form of football illiteracy.<br /><br />There are few red lights here, given that ZIFA had decided to overrule referee Arnold Ncube's decision without giving reasons and that Dynamos Richard Chihoro said that they had not appealed at all.<br /><br />Whether it was a Chiyangwa or ZIFA decision, it is a mad decision. Either way, it must be sought to clarify under what condition and auspices such decision was made, like the members present and their capacities.<br /><br />It must be noted that whether that seating had video analysis and made their decisions made by their opinions of the incident, their opinion does not matter. How many times do people view the same thing for years and fail to agree on the right outcome?<br /><br />If the referees made the wrong decisions, such committees must not reverse the decisions but either train their personnel or punish the perpetrators. And in any case, there is not a single qualification Chiyangwa holds to sit on that committee.<br /><br />At some stage, I think this is a nuisance of an incident to receive attention and it can never happen. There are no grounds to implement such a decision.<br /><br />Dynamos will have to play their next match against Caps United, and if they use the same player, will the ZPSL accept the Cameroonian player in their team sheets? I do not think so. Let us say that the match goes on, and Dynamos use that player, ZPSL can simply dock the points as it is their competition, not ZIFA's competition.<br /><br />Regarding the ZPSL, there seems to have been no letter or appeal made to them about their own competition, meaning that as far as they are concerned, the noise about this issue is a lot of farce about nothing.<br /><br />Ncube surely made a report to the owners of the competition. Unless he handed a different story, then the ZPSL have some work to do. For now, they must stay put as they have clear rules and guidelines regarding such matters. <br /><br />It has been brought to our attention, that the Order 30 of the PSL Rules and Regulations is as follows:<br /><br />30.1 Any club involved in a match, may lodge a protest with the League in respect of any match played under the auspices of the League provided that:<br />30.1.2.3 A written protest accompanied by a protest fee of US$1000 (One thousand dollars) is lodged with the General Secretariat of the League within 48 hours (forty-eight) hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays) of the game and<br />30.1.2.4 The written protest referred to in order 30.1 above sets out the full facts on which it is based and refers to the Article and/or rule and regulation allegedly contravened by the offending party; and<br />30.1.2.5 The protest is not made against the referee’s and/or assistant referee’s decision connected with play, such decisions being final.<br /><br />Do you think there is anything that Highlanders should worry about? Let us know.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-54256861516382792042017-09-04T19:12:00.000+02:002017-09-04T19:12:48.767+02:00Highlanders Bosso memories: The Midfield Generals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Willard Khumalo, Madinda Ndlovu and Mercedes Sibanda)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Football players of raw passion and desire to entertain while having fun came naturally in the 1980s and 1990s. Among the many gifted players who became actors of the great Highlanders Football Club over that period of time was Willard Mashinkila Khumalo (MHSRIP), famous then for galloping while in possession of the ball, to the roar of the responsive Stadium.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This midfield general of immense talent, passion and attitude, ‘Nduna’’ as he was popularly known, had a physical presence, dribbling, passing and vision made him a darling to watch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Many will remember the stadium roaring ‘Mawiii’ or simply, "Wiiiiiiii" with his every touch of the ball. He intercepted the balls in midfield intelligently, supporting other players off the ball and above all, had the great passing ability over short, medium and long distances.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nduna’s football was compelling at the club and national level and remained a cog to the teams he played for which included Caps United. Willard was the king pin of the Reinhard Fabisch's Dream Team of the 1990s. He went to ply his trade in Germany as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many young Highlanders FC supporters may not know Lazarus Mwambopo. ‘Lulu’, started running as he came out of the tunnel for warm-up and never stopped. He ran in a particular fashion, his hands kind of hanging loosely from the wrists.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He tirelessly toiled all day. His great vision and weighted passing were a joy to behold. Lulu played for Eagles FC with Victor Moonsamy and Elvis Chiweshe</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> among others. The industry of this man's input in each shift could never be equalled.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ernest ‘Maphepha’ Sibanda was slim as a paper, hence his nickname. This speedy winger flew making the 'Chew' noise with his mouth as he charged. Sibanda played for Caps United in a distinguished career and later became the team manager of the very successful Bossolona and eventually Chairman. The man had good control of midfield control and imposed his style of play with ease.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nqobizitha Maenzanise (MHSRIP) is another of the great midfielders of his generation and beyond. As stubborn as a donkey on the road, he marshalled the midfield at will. He had invaluable technique, killing any ball dead in an instant and passing with amazing accuracy with the inside or outside of the foot. His vision left you wondering if he really saw the development prior.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Humpty’ tended to have lazy runs with his bow legs and his arrogance got him a few red-cards during his career. He never really celebrated a goal as he just took it as a pass to the net. One cannot remember him losing the ball once it was at his feet and he released it only when he wanted, and very accurately so. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was a useful player at Zimbabwe Saints, Matebeleland High City and he captained the national team. One thing few people knew about him, was his great humility. I had great pleasure taking him through coaching courses and was always amazed how so humble and willing to learn he was. He worked as a court interpreter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the same mould of build and technique was Makheyi Nyathi (MHSRIP). I have never seen a better ball passer. His control of the ball was magnificent. ‘Ninja’ played first team football at a very tender</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">age. He was very good at anticipating and intelligently intercepting balls timely without a hassle. He was a hard tackler who enjoyed his game. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Makheyi scored some amazing long-range goals regularly. He was such a great magician who made his first team and national squad debuts aged sixteen. This player can be described as a true general of the game and an icon. He suffered knee injuries that cut his career shorter than it should have been.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another tireless worker and exquisite passer was Aram Tshuma (MHSRIP). He had played a lot of first division football with Red Seal Rovers before joining Bosso. What a revelation he was. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aram passed the ball early with great quality and silently went about his business in attack and defence. He was a goal scorer of note, especially from distance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Richard Choruma joined ‘Amahlolanyama’ looking lazy and many fans did not believe that he was going to be a revelation he became. His small frame fooled many opponents. Choruma worked hard in midfield winning balls, developing into one of the finest players.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choruma played alongside Benjani Mwaruwari at Air Zimbabwe and his move to South Africa was not as successful. The Dabuka Express was an intelligent player with a great engine and a professional every coach dreamed of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alexander Phiri was a high calibre player and a scorer of thunderous goals that would make Paul Scholes jealous. Zander always looked to play the ball forward early and accurately and worked extremely hard all the time. His goals will always feature as some of the best seen at Bosso. He played alongside Blessing Gumiso who was a pivotal figure in midfield himself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gumiso was a strong anchor-man who worked hard for the team. As a workhorse protecting the defenders, Magumaguma was tireless and very decisive in tackles and man-marking. He was very dependable in one versus one situation and scored some good and important goals. His contribution released other exciting attacking midfielders to venture forward in enterprising fashion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Siza Khoza was one untouchable swift player. As soon as he was on the run with the ball at his feet he flew off his feet. Nkinko was extravagant sometimes, keepingh the ball with him for too long but when he got his way, it was ever so sweet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The ball stuck to his feet as if glued. It was his not so generous frame that made him rank last in national team selection. At Caps United, his artistry did not live up to his reputation. Siza ran from midfield to the flanks and also attacked the central positions with great purpose and direction. He was a defender's nightmare. He scored vital goals for the team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gift Lunga Jnr operated as a left-winger. His tremendous dribbling ability took many by surprise, including himself I think. ‘Thebe’ had wits to do anything. His flowing movement when in full flight on the left wing, the dread-locked Thebe reminded many of Jay Jay Okocha. He was purely exquisite and sublime. The Bosso faithful will have memories of the great and crucial goals he scored.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who can forget the late Thuthani Moyo, a player who used both feet to dribble with amazing ability? He knew of his gift and he pushed the limits. He also had a deceptive lazy dribble, which made drilling the ball through opponents’ legs look casual. One could mistakenly think he used his hands to manipulate the ball. That is how clever his feet were.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mpumelelo 'Era Munna' Dzowa and the late Ronnie 'Jeans' Jowa came across as genuine midfield commanders who people confused for each other because of the surnames which rhymed. Mpume took control of the game with great vision and passing that mesmerised opponents. He later developed to be a key member of the Green Machine, Caps United.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These players were a team that was very talented, having matured earlier from a reserve team of the mid-1980s named 'Liverpool'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many will remember high-quality technician, Thoko Sithole, who was nimble-footed. He was a darling to many and proved to be a midfielder of immense talent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fluid Benjamin ‘Matambanadzo’ Mpofu came from Kadoma's Eiffel Flats and endeared into the Bosso fans with a workmanlike shift match after match with great incisive runs going forward. He had the courage to carry the ball across the field and into the attacking third.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One not so popular, yet vital midfield of good defensive qualities was Harrison ‘Ayashis' Amateki’ Meki. Ayashis' Amateki was loved by his teammates for his ability to make their jobs on the field easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amin Soma-Phiri was such a lovely character. ‘Khazeni’ had a spirit to move mountains. Like his brother Makwinji, his greatest asset was the head. Amin must have scored more Cup goals than any Bosso player, mostly with his head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bow-legged strong man of soccer was a forceful and committed player who disliked losing. The fighting spirit rubbed well into those around him and he always imposed himself on every defence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The late Titus Majola was simply class and very intelligent. Simply the best. ‘Zii’ was unbelievably flamboyant and knew where to be every time. His strength was the simplicity of play. He made football look very very easy. He played along the charismatic players like Alex Maseko, Fanual Ncube, Douglas Mloyi and Peter Nkomo, among others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tito Paketh, a brother to Francis Paketh of Eagles was a talented dribbling wizard with nimble feet. Tito scored amazing goals and mostly from distance. The strong midfielder had great vision and mouth-watering passing ability. He left playing alongside his brother Francis, at Eagles and joined Amahlolanyama. He was a great player who enjoyed his game and all at Tshilamoya enjoyed watching him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Phiri brought to the game excellent passing and ball control in the midfield. His strong attitude to the art made him look comfortable and relaxed. His goals were marvellous. Dave proved to be a consistent midfielder with the ability to deliver every time he played.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many know Andrew Shue as a Hollywood actor of the soapie, Melrose Place. He played football for Highlanders and was a such a genius. He was not fancy at all but did the necessary with simple football. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember an unfortunate game in Harare where he gave away a silly goal in a Cup final or something. He felt gutted and found it hard to deal with the mishap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another American, Kelly 'Sharp Mafana' Jacobson played further in front as an attacking midfielder and his passing always astounded the supporters. He scored few important goals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dowd had the chilling accurate forward passes with the correct weight and direction. It made up for the poor defensive behaviour, which was his weaknesses. He had off days that could annoy fans but played a key role in most of the matches he played that the fans named him Dube.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lovemore Ncube was a temperamental character who fought too hard and hated to lose. ‘Magents’ was a vital engine room cog who always played a kingpin role. He was a terminator kind of player. The ball winning ability gave the much-needed steel in his game which many took for rough play.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Magents always played hard and took no prisoners with each tackle making a statement. Lovemore went to play successfully for Dynamos, before leaving for overseas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rahman Gumbo was an influential midfielder despite him starting a striker at Eagles where he scored goals with the ease of Ian Rush. ‘Rah’ was very clever and consistent as a Number 9 and as a midfielder. Injuries were unjust to him resulting in his retirement. Rush played a pivotable role for the Dream Team and later developed to be a great coach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all his first and second level courses that I conducted, he remained humble and inspired his classmates in the courses. He proved to be a winner as he won championships with Bosso, Caps, as well as Malawians and Botswana teams. Many will remember with fondness the great goals he scored against South Africa upon Mzansi's readmission to international football in 1992 and that goal against Goh Mahiaat Emagumeni.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benjamin Nkonjera was a destroyer in midfield who always was serious. Probably the finest midfielder ever‘Mackanaky’ had good man-marking skills, interception ability of unsurpassed proportions and passing that would rank amongst the best you ever saw.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benjie was a cog for Bosso and national teams for many years and had a huge impact on successes of the Dream Team. He scored tremendous goals and finished his career at Amazulu after a fruitful stint at FC Kriens of Switzerland.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mubariki Chisoni was a true version of dynamite comes in small packages' player. ‘Mwamba’ seemed just too slippery for the opposition. He seemed to have it very easy all the time. For a midfielder of his stature, he was a class act who scored beautiful and important goals. He had great ball control and was very courageous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Methembe Ndlovu played comfortably in defence as he did in midfield. ‘Mayor’, as a holding player was a darling of the BF crowd, intercepting the ball at alarming rates. One would think he attracted the ball to his feet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was so dependable and committed in everything he did, becoming one of the best players in 1995 Under 23All-Africa Games in the squad who won silver medals</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His ball distribution was one of his strengths.Mayor’s football took him to the United State of America where he attained high coaching qualifications. He became one of the most successful Bosso coaches.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Honour Gombami is one living artisan of football with immense talent. He graduated soon after Johannes'Tshisampama' Ngodzo but they did play together very well. Honour had a silky touch to blow your mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gombami’s vision and passing incredibly opened defence like a hot knife through butter. His work-rate was really an asset to the squad and he dished his stuff week in and week out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He went on to play professionally in Belgium but injuries dealt with him treacherously and stalled a growing career.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another fine specimen of a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> footballer must be Ngodzo himself.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tshisa dribbled as if he was romancing the ball with his feet. He is one footballer you will come across once in a lifetime. He was a gem of a player with a true Midas touch.His enviable technical ability almost made the ball talk.He ran with the ball, dragging it behind him as if it was</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">glued to his heels and his long range passing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He dribbled for fun and made all look easy in the field of play. Injuries were unfair to his and he did play for the national team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Charles Chilufya was hard shooting and generally a workaholic of a Zambian. ‘Chief’ scored memorable goals. He worked for the ball and was quick to go forward.Chilufya came from city rivals, Railstars, who had acquired him from Wankie Football Club. Tthe combination with Choruma was telepathic.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Master Masiku was one of the most under-rated players ever, with a very big engine and love for the game. An easy midfielder to coach with total commitment, he was a good ball winner and scored some amazing but few goals. He was always committed to his game and played a pivotal role at Railstars.His finishing did not compliment his efforts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His boyhood friend, Kelvin ‘Mtshawa’ Maseko had a better work rate. Mtshawa had long strides and a tremendous engine to run all noon. His passing and shooting were high class.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He did not stay long at Highlanders, moving to be a force to be reckoned with at Railstars F.C.To the so many others who made the Highlanders family feel worthwhile, there can never be enough thank yous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All the midfield generals intrigued the BarbourfieldsStadium with the intricate and quick passing that electrified the vibrant and chanting faithful at the Soweto, Edgars and Mpankweni stands.They packed powerful shots and scored thunderous goals that won the trophies and championships. They</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">supplied the sublime through balls to the strikers and thrilled everyone with the dribbles and trickery.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who was your top Midfield General?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-37349405649663764152017-08-30T15:30:00.000+02:002017-08-30T15:30:13.795+02:00Arsene Wenger will reign very soon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In our last look at the English Premier League, we looked at the blind faith of the Manchester United fans that they are already champions. Three matches on, they amassed 9 out of 9 points, scoring 10 goals in the process. Maybe they have a case.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Chelsea fans, like those elsewhere in AC Milan, F.C Porto and Real Madrid, know when it is time to celebrate when Jose Mourinho is in the house. So the Red Devils can really be forgiven to celebrate this early.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My take is this; All the teams and coaches always revered and feared a JM coached. They feel intimated and inferior. The Man U performance thus far makes all their opponents afraid, and very afraid. This makes United's job half complete.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rushford factor. Martial is an evergreen thread and De Gea is solid. If one tries to look at the possible loopholes in that team, it may take you a season to find one. Team spirit and teamwork are matched by a complete and satisfying work ethic from everyone. I feel Ibrahimovic will come in to give more stability to the coach's attacking options.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We predicted a good performance from Arsenal and then a revolt from the Gunners fans. However, we did not anticipate these events to be so close to each other and to come so soon. Arsene Wenger did not convince many in that </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">English Premier League season opener against Leicester City. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The match was easy on the eye by devoid of tactical maturity and class. We were skeptical in joining the celebration party after that match. The latest demolition job by Liverpool proved us right in saying that Arsenal has very good players but the worst ever team in the league.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The players' body language was the easiest book to read. Wenger can not do anything positive to that team at all. High profile players like Mezuit Ozil looked mentally broken. The rest were extremely fragile. Alexis Sanchez, who wanted out did not look the part. Actually, Arsenal should have let him go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">No one can question Arsene's football brain and his stubbornness, but we still believe in miracles and that the man still has a little pride, no matter how small. If we are right, the man will resign next week. And in that case, a strong coach with a high reputation will come and transform dressing room mentality and attitude and maximise that team's potential.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Let assume we are wrong and the Frenchman stays on, what then can save the Gunners? Simple. Sell the entire squad and get young, cheap, naive and easy to manipulate professional who can 'yes Sir' Wenger. Otherwise, Arsenal will be in the relegation battle for the majority of the season</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This story has a flip side. A disappointing Liverpool pulled out a shocker in walloping a hapless Arsenal and suddenly, Jurgen Klopp seems to be the man. Our prediction was that the Reds are a spent force who did not need Coutinho now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Barcelona throwing cash like confetti at Liverpool, the Merseyside giants should gladly cash in and bank the money. There is not much need to get into the market for them now. Their followers think there is a need for a centre back and central anchoring midfielder. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have not analysised or seem possible candidates for that matter, so it is a question of the German's taste and so far, we are failing to enter his taste buds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May we temporarily apologise our questioning of the longevity of his gengen pressing in this season. There is a temptation to say Arsenal were naive in any case, but giving credit where it is due, many duels were won in high pressing areas leading to the goals. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If we take a microscopic look, we would say it is early days. The good thing is that the Sedio Mane instincts look intact as this moment and all hope that his injuries will be minimum. Daniel Sturridge needs to be mentioned as he did what he usually does when he comes in from the bench. And again, he needs a much more injury free season than anyone in the world's five top leagues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As one of the greatest symphasisers of Tottenham Hotspur, there was not a single attempt to give an excuse for the use of Wembley Stadium. Maybe we should have. White Hart Lane always presented a thread even before the match started. At the current rate, as opposed to the intimidation of the current Manchester United bullishness, Spurs are vulnerable to every Jack and Jill. All teams feel they have a chance against them at Wembley. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Mauricio Poccetthino's boys will be feeling tired soon if the results do not come early enough. We mentioned one serious factor for them on day one. As long as Harry Kane is not finding the net, his frustration will work against the team and his confidence. Delle Ali also needs to have his game a notch up when Kane is firing blanks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">There is no doubt that in Moussa Dembele and Victor Wanyama, they have one of the strongest central midfielders in the world today, but without the crazy scampering on the wings of Danny Rose and Kyle Walker, the load will remain against them after the completion of each swing attack.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Let us see what Manchester City brought to the table so far. I see a better team than last season, but definitely, nothing to make us think they are better than Chelsea and United. Even with their target, Alexis Sanchez, it would be hard to see how the set-up could influence the title in their favour. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Rumour has it that they intended offloading Jesus Navas and a few other players to the Gunners for the South American. Theoretically, the possible combination with Sergio Aguero should be hair-raising but Pep Guardiola can mess up a good stew and turn it into biter medicine at the click of a finger. City is a team that has already hit the ceiling. They may reinvent themselves and get rejuvenated but there is not much excitement in that squad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, as Chelsea strolled through the park, they picked up easy points. Could it be that all teams will jst bend over for a spanking? Maybe there is so much respect for Antonio Conte, but that easy win versus Everton worked for and against them. The good thing was that they picked up points without hitting top gear, basically on a rest day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The negative aspect of that situation is a loss of top match fitness. Managing that situation going forward will be critical as to how long The Blues catch up the rest of the league in match fitness. At the beginning of the season, one prefers being stretched to the limit and prevail, and that momentum carries you in buoyant and quiet times in the season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We are tempted to make more predictions based on tactical analysis of what transpired so far. Indicators prove that our first article on the matter was over 80 % correct up to Match 3. The league may still welcome few great names of the game from other major leagues, and that may change a lot, but frankly, we see no major changes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paul Pogba, </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Marcus Rushford, Martial, Mane, Cesc Fabregas, Ali, Kane, Aguero will determine the destination of the league. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">At the bottom, new boys will kiss the league goodbye.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-32458400892248705202017-08-28T11:36:00.000+02:002017-08-28T11:36:35.746+02:00Highlanders Tshilamoya - The Great Defenders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(The late Mercedes Sibanda with the late Willard Mashinkila Khumalo)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Complementing the charismatic goal-minders of yester year, were the Highlanders central defenders known to have been solid, hard, tough and imposing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Douglas Mloyi was a vocal and agile figure who imposed his presence without any silliness, a clean take-no prisoner tough as a teak tackler.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite his perceived rough play, ‘British’ never received a red card in his long and distinguished career at Bosso and the national team. He was such a marvelous player and a great humble man who still attracts positive vibes from young and old fans alike. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alex ‘Zanda’ Maseko was a fortress and specialist of aerial superiority </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and master of interception. Indeed the ‘Cool Ruler’ was a great tight marker and sweeper of high pedigree with strength, confidence and sure-footedness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He played for the national team alongside John Phiri in a formidable partnership. He started playing a traditional Number 10 position and ended his football in South Africa where he played for a number of teams including Mamelodi Sundowns. He briefly played for Darryn T in 1988 before coming back to Bosso.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cleopas Dlodlo’s services are tattooed in the Bosso faithful owing to his elastic agility. Nkatha, as he was called by myriads of fans, had the speed of thought and presence of mind, tracking and tackling well and hard. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dilo Dilo had an excellent sense of humour and his move to Kaizer Chiefs was a fitting tribute to the class of a man whose charisma should have flourished at Amakhosi. He played alongside Doctor Khumalo, Robson Mtshitshwa at Naturena. Dlodlo also featured for Moroka Swallows, the Dube Birds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thulani Ncube was the most incredible character. ‘Captain Fantastic’ was both very combative and calculative. He marked tight and timed his tackles to perfection. ‘Biya’ initiated attacks, surged forward after winning the ball and scored some amazing goals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The most important quality he possessed was leadership. He is the only man ever I know in the whole world, who captained three different teams at once, i.e. Highlanders, National Under-23 squad and Zimbabwe Warriors. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He played for Cape Town Spurs before going overseas where he is coaching the youth. Biya runs an academy with his firends in Zimbabwe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Melody Wafawanaka was stocky, playing in the same eccentric way Dlodlo, Mloyi and Zanda did. ‘Nkalakatha’ took no prisoners. He was agile and headed the ball very well. He formed a solid partnership with Biya. Wafawanaka joined Bosso from Black Rhinos and his short spell had such an impact on the club and fans that he will always be remembered as a force to reckon with at the back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bekithemba ‘SamaNdloo’ Ndlovu was a war-horse, versatile to play as a right back and centre back as well. ‘Mabatha’, Kelvin Kaindu’s assistant at some point, was a very passionate player who started very nervously and sometimes clumsy in challenges. He matured slowly to be a defensive rock of note.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beke’s career took him to Moroka Swallows, Silver Stars and Platinum Stars. His influential roles in these teams saw him playing different positions with much success. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dazy Kapenya was a cool ruler of his generation. ‘Walker’ was mean and went forward to attack. While he did not score so many goals, but his excellent passing skills were superb. He dribbled strikers in the dangerous areas. He partnered Biya, Nkalakatha and SaMaNdlo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kapenya played for Manning Rangers of South Africa, but he was uncomfortable in many unfamiliar roles he was assigned to. Like many Highlanders defenders, he did not feature in many national teams as he deserved somehow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lenny Gwata was one no nonsense defender with a heart-stopping tackling ability and fighting spirit. Gwata was very solid and made strikers very uncomfortable with his tough presence in duels. Gwata’s career took him to Dynamos Football Club where he was also an iconic figure with his steely </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">combats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gilbert Banda, a young telling defender, was very solid in all aspets of the game. Gilbert now plays for FC Platinum. He was a rock and had years of excellence ahead of him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Phephisani Ndebele played well as a man marker. He was crucial in the many championships Bosso had. His combative stunts made him an easy choice for his role. Phephe always played with his heart and was well-trusted by his teammates. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Itai Godzamapere was a central defender of high dedication and full of encouragement. ‘Mafero’ always pushed his peers to the limit and tackled very well. He played an old-fashioned conventional </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">sweeper but did not feature prominently in the first team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Itai Masawi was a very strong right back overlapping with a lot of thoughtfulness. He always played a calculated game with well-timed tackles and interceptions. He was consistent and dependable. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He was intelligent unassuming player of enviable technical qualities, he attacked well and was solid in defence. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The two Itais, Masawi and Godzamapere played together sometimes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sikhumbuzo Ndebele was another noticeable central defender mostly used by Roy Barretto. His tactical awareness made him very useful as he followed instructions very well. His playing days were folded when he went and played for Amazulu Football Club where he greatly matured for many years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fanuel ‘Launcher Ncane’ Ncube (mazita kupfekerana) was a determined right back of his time. ‘Malume’ was jittery when faced by Eagles’ Boy Ndlovu. The best thing about him was that he never dived into tackles. He flew when in attack mode on the right wing to deliver beautiful crosses for the likes of Nhamo Shambira and Dumisani Ngulube to score. Ncane had long spells in Botswana and enjoyed his </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">football there until his last days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Abraham Mbambo was so quick and fast, and loved overlapping just as much. ‘Nejane’ could do everything right and fail to deliver a pinpoint cross. People always wanted him to be perfect, but after the hard running and the steam is low, it was not always possible. He became one of the long standing members of Bosso players of all time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is said Mbambo was first on the list of Gibson Homela’s national team because of his discipline, dedication and respect for the game. He is one of the many players who started and ended their careers wearing the black and white stripe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dumisani Nyoni was the best left-footed defender for a long time in the country. There was an argument that he was probably the best in Africa in his prime. His crosses were accurate. ‘Savimbi’ was quick on his feet. He never waited for a move to mature before he was on his bike calling for a </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">through ball on his overlaps. He played in national teams on many occassions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Noel Kaseke had an educated foot and appetite to do well. Noel always wanted to learn and do well. He came to me after every training session or match asking for his assessment. He would say to me, ‘Coach, tell me even if it is bad. I want to know the truth so I can improve’.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Simon ‘Makwee’ Sibanda is one of the shortest defenders you will ever find anywhere. ‘Doink’ was so versatile and was so talented. His technique and timing always won the day for him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Makwee scored a few goals and some of them wonderful. He represented the country’s junior teams on several occasions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Netsai Moyo was a complete and rounded player with great vision and heart. ‘Super’ was such a wonderful and gifted team player with an unbelievable understanding of the game. He was always super in attack and defence, running and dribbling on the flanks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was during his days that the inspired Lovemore Majaivana cut a famous record, ‘Badlala njani ibhola’. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mercedes Sibanda was so good that friends and foes alike admired him. A great character with humour, ‘Rambo’ packed right-footed shots of canon-like power and accuracy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He became a great dead-ball specialist with comic arrangements with Willard Khumalo and Madinda </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ndlovu. He was arguably the best right back in Africa for a long time. When he captained the national team and he was introducing players to the </span>honourable<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> delegates, he introduced himself as ‘John Rambo’ to the laughter of the dignitaries who knew him and all the players.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Melusi Sibanda played a special role as a wing or central defender. Mabaleka was a consistent and dependable ball winner. As a young and tireless work-horse, he became one of the crowd favourites and never let down the coaches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anzlom Ndlovu graduated from the youth teams and proved to be a defensive stalwart to rank among the best during his years as a faithful central defender at Highlanders. He complimented Malala very well, both having been groomed for the first team as a pair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We pay respect to the many others who proudly wore the Bosso shirts, living and those who passed on. No one can never forget the joy they brought to the many homes during the glory days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who are your top back four?</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-59115914317678968922017-08-20T22:56:00.000+02:002017-08-20T22:56:58.608+02:00Highlanders Tshilamoya; The Great Goalkeepers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Captain Oxo - He called everyone his boss "My - boss")</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let us go down memory lane for a moment, and remember the temperamental, eccentric, agile, flamboyant, erratic, entertaining and charismatic show-stopping shot-stoppers who played for Highlanders Football Club in the yester years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highlanders produced Bruce Grobbelaar of Liverpool of England, considered one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world during his playing days. He was in the Bosso team by his 16th birthday. The ‘Jungleman’ had a very successful career at Liverpool in the 1980s, winning everything there was on offer.<br /><br />Grobbelaar won the UEFA Champions League in the mid-1980s, the first African to do so and remained the pillar and image of the game in England for a long time.<br /><br />His antics and penalty saving successes were attributed to his charisma and the jelly-leg tricks. He saved many penalties by wobbling his legs and swaying his body and arms as if boneless.<br /><br />The truth of the matter is that the man was class and a joy to watch. The acrobatics seen in those days were later simulated by goalkeepers like Peter Schmeichel, Jorge Campos, Jose Luis Chilavert and Rene Higuita of the famous donkey of scorpion kick.<br /><br />Peter Nkomo also made his debut for Bosso at a tender age. ‘Captain Oxo’ was also nicknamed ‘Umangoye’ (Cat) for his claws on the ball. He was a fine handler of the ball, without any fancy tricky but sure and safe pair of hands.<br /><br />He made history with a trip to a 5-aside World Cup tournament in the Soviet Union in 1980. He was referred to as ‘the one who went to Moscow’. Moscow turned to ‘Oscow’. That degenerated to Oxo, and that process was catalysed by a TV commercial of Captain Oxo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What stands out for me for this great legend is his humility. He called everyone around him, 'My boss' and became known as such. And with each encounter with him, he took the time to ask how your family was doing and at the end, made sure he sends warm regards to your family as if he knew them personally. <br /><br />Peter was a courageous goalie. He commanded his defence well, being a fine shot stopper of high quality, with abilities to organise and communicate. Oxo had issues with his footwork although he started playing as an attacker. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His in-field playing experience helped read the strikers' mind and thwart them effectively. The Goalkeeper of the Year winner and Soccer Star of the Year finalist continued to endear himself in the hearts and souls of Tshilamoya fans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is said on some bad days, Peter would be easily beaten by Shaky Tauro and Joel Shambo shots, in fact, the whole Caps United of that era, with Stanley Ndunduma and Stix Mtizwa. In those matches, a shot would fly past into the net without even Oxo moving or looking, and he would lie flat on the ground and his defenders - Douglas Mloyi and Fanuel Ncube would come to him to see if he was injured.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then he would ask, "<i>Lingenile s'bare</i>?" (Is it a goal?) because the stadium would be too noisy to hear the whistle from the referee. And they would tell him it was a goal. The next question; "<i>Athini amaNdebele</i>?" (What do the Ndebeles say?) They would tell him that the fans are angry. "<i>Bathi, vuka uvimbe amabhola</i>" (They say rise and catch the balls).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Joseph Tembo was nicknamed ‘Masawa’ (Sour milk delivery man) because he came from Rio Dairiboard FC and was very good with cutting out crosses, probably because of his height. He ranked very high with those who saw a lot of him in the mid-1980s.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the only goalkeeper to give Peter Nkomo a good run for his money and could have easily been a national team goal minder if he played longer patiently.<br /><br />The junior policy produced Sydney Zimunya. ‘Bruno’, as he was affectionately known, had excellent moments and bad days. The unfortunate thing was that these bad moments came on the same day as the good. He had a commanding voice at the back and great organising skills. His team mates really loved him.<br /><br />Smart ‘My Tshomie’ Moyo is another of the goalkeepers that Bosso had. He was just as dependable. After a breath-taking save, a simple ball would beat him to the disappointment of the fans. He was a loud organiser and believer in himself.<br /><br />Musawenkosi Masango played well at the beginning of his career and played in the All-Africa games in Egypt in the early 1990s. ‘Rawu’ had good shot stopping abilities, but he was a little quiet for a great goalkeeper, being at the mercy of strikers. Rawu had a reasonably long spell between the poles for Highlanders. He was a Fitter and Turner by profession, having apprenticed at the Railways.<br /><br />Mthandazo Sithole and Francis Muringayi never cemented their first team places. Mthizozo played few matches and moved to Darryn T where he played a few seasons, while Fra had cameo appearances during the time of a Milton High teacher, Weis, from the United States of America. His career was always in the shadow of his brother Charles, who kept goals for Chapungu United.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pope Moyo was in a young squad assembled by Madinda while Pernell McKop was an intelligent goalkeeper. He retired early due to a back injury.<br /><br />Johannes ‘SamaTshu’ Tshuma had many heart-stopping acrobatic antics and great confidence. He was very confident and encouraged all who played with him all the time to be very positive all the time. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joe joined Highlanders from Wankie F.C. after the career-ending injury to Oxo. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He endeared himself well with breath-taking saves and ball distribution.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lucky Siziba was a lanky product of the youth development junior policy. Mayiboka was excellent with crosses but low balls were his Achilles heel. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lucky Siziba played for Amazulu and Railstars in prominent roles that saw those teams gaining promotion from Division One to the Premier League.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The revered Ananias Dube is one of the Bosso keepers we had. Dube was a member of the popular team that won the team’s first Chibuku Trophy at Rufaro Stadium when a convoy of Phelandaba Bus Service ferried the first recorded road-show to Harare in 1973. Remember the song, 'Ngubani owayekhona?'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many still regard him as the best ever because of his agility and reflexes. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He was short, agile and very brave. His legendary status was soiled by his migration to Olympics during the rebellious split.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Robert Donga was very temperamental, as they said he was a short fuse, but organised his defenders very well. To recognise his excellence between the posts, he was called on to represent Rhodesia and Bulawayo select teams.<br /><br />There was Mandla, referred to by many as ‘Stiletto’. This man was incredibly agile given his physical challenge on one leg, diving well on both sides.<br /><br />Amon Chimbalanga was a very serious goalie who hated to lose. He was a complete goalkeeper whose footwork may have been a little better and many referred to him as ‘Bululu’, (Puff Adder) for his cheeky antics against his own defenders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is claimed that the love of money compromised his integrity and became a tool of external forces to penetrate the Bosso community to influence the outcome of matches. This vulnerability to these agents tainted the great career and he should have been a regular national goalkeeper. <br /><br />Tapuwa Kapini was eccentric and charismatic. ‘Campos’ had confidence and excellent technique. He went on to represent the country more than any other Bosso goalkeeper did. He liked playing as an inside player and had tricks of Grobbelaar.<br /><br />Edmore Sibanda had the confidence to walk on water. ‘Mamkhwebu’ had unrivaled antics in goals. Fans would have their hearts in their mouths and yet he kept goals secure. He had fine reflexes which atoned for the crazy and heart-stopping moments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He ranks amongst the best of the goalkeepers ever along with Brito Gwere and young Luckson Mutanga. Gwere played key roles in the years before Kapini rose to prominence and acquitted himself well, being simple and unstylish but very dependable goalie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lawrence Phiri played in goals on many occasions when the regular goalkeepers failed to turn up for the matches. He never got a chance to claim the jersey permanently. All will know that he gained his club legendary status as a utility out field player known as Lofty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">George Moyo, like Smart Moyo, had careers cut short by the liberation war and on their return, they found Oxo solid and established as the main team stalwart in his lengthy service to the club. His contribution could easily be forgotten due to the short spell with Bosso.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kingston Phiri and CB Mahlangu, like Masango, Muringayi, Smart, and Sydney lived in the shadow of Captain Oxo and their careers as Highlanders' legends never took off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Enerst Ncube Mgwegwe was a complete goalkeeper to many who saw him and had the promise and potential but he did not blossom to be a great goalie he could have been.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He 'disappeared' from the football scene.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was also Prosper Masuku, tall and intimidating. He was a promising prospect. Malvern Moyo was also a promising goalie who never lived up to his potential.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Madinda Ndlovu built the mid-1990s Thulani Ncube captained squad, he used Pope Moyo, who grew with each game but never convinced the fans to be the number one. Pope repaid the club with loyalty although under pressure each week to perform.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lackson Mutanga also matured to play for the club and could have grown to be a super keeper as he played in junior national teams. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was also Chenjerai Dube, a strong goalkeeper considered for national teams, having excelled in Hwange. That move from the Coal Miners proved fatal as Kapini was at his prime. He never had much chance to shine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Njabulo Nyoni came too late into his career and played his part. Ariel Sibanda is also an agiler and intelligent keeper, a little too quiet to command his defence but still has potential to play for the national team regularly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ater all is said and done, they all bring some memory in one form or another. Some make you smile while others made you mad and angry. Most of them had weaknesses and their excuses were always that they saw two many balls coming their way. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Angry defenders would always shout at them, "<i>Bamba wonke wena ....(huge insult)" </i>(Catch both balls, you ......).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They were one of a kind.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-76924560489330413292017-08-14T18:13:00.003+02:002017-08-30T13:52:08.148+02:00Manchester United are champions already - to their fans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Romelu the man - Getty Images)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Manchester United are champions already - to their fans, but there are 37 more matches to play, and they will not West Ham United every weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a reason to believe they can go all the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Except for Chelsea fans, everyone knows what Romelu Lukaku scores when he wants. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Besides, coach Jose Mourinho is known to have a little horse, give it a little milk and it wins the race the next season. JM is not The Special One for nothing and you do not have to like him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nemanja Matic proved an asset all know he can be, touching the ball more than any player in the Man U 4-0 win over the Hammers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The English Premier League season started with a scintillating Arsenal versus Leicester City, with seven marvelous goals and a reasonable pace of the game to match - a 4-3 win for the Gunners.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amongst much exciting news around the new 2017/18 season, Wayne Rooney scored on his second Everton debut as the Toffees beat Stoke City 1-0, Lukaku scored a double, Matic won the man of the match in his Man U debut and his former club, Chelsea - the champions, lost their opener 3-2 against Burnley.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Disappointing as it may, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool drew 3-3 in their first league match against Watford while Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City convincingly won 2-0 their matches over Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As much as every fan feel their team has the capacity to lift the EPL in May 2018, Man U feel like it is done and dusted and what makes it a solid case is the fear the whole league fears after Paul Pogba also came to the party.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Marcus Rushford was something else and United looked solid and strolled after their third goal, but Manchester City seems to be playing the way the coach ever wanted. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Arsenal looked a familiar 4th place contender, with the team playing as flat as ever, only different players. Arsene Wenger can be assured of the 'Wenger must go' campaigns very soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Klopp will have a few headaches to nurse as the sting of his tactics have been blunt and seem to be easily neutralized by the English physicality of the game.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mauricio Pochettino has the same young squad with pace and purpose. Whether they gained enough experience and can challenge for the title will have to depend on the form and fitness of Dele Alli and Harry Kane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Spurs advantage is the ability to turn on the style when needed but this is a new season, the fact that the Hurricane did not find the net on Day One is a psychological hump. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chelsea seems to be more rugged than fluent in their approach and much will depend on their flexibility as the going gets tough.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could say much about Leicester City, who kept a core of key players in the league but may lose Jaime Vardy soon, and West Ham who acquired some of the best and experienced footballers around.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">May I say as much as I am seduced by Man U, their fans have to chill. Man City is the real deal. Chelsea will be back. Tottenham is still the team to beat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There is a token challenge from Liverpool and Arsenal and nothing else. Lukaku will be a top scorer without a doubt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We will unpack the league with a little detail next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me see if you agree with me that Wenger will fail dismally and finally get fired.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-87381317229503147822017-08-11T11:47:00.000+02:002017-08-11T11:47:46.904+02:00Highlanders: Bobby's Circuit Warm Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsDWp_NEPW1VF-H9XVTRPzRhLvnp4gcCwTejrYMQnTBaIMVOHioVM9_Ukb6hJho3UJbwh5ex4AvU-_GrXtpzvp9CrMJ-lg2SXSpLammOHiTuLGhHqHySlud4X-cIUWJikQUOk7wzK2d45/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsDWp_NEPW1VF-H9XVTRPzRhLvnp4gcCwTejrYMQnTBaIMVOHioVM9_Ukb6hJho3UJbwh5ex4AvU-_GrXtpzvp9CrMJ-lg2SXSpLammOHiTuLGhHqHySlud4X-cIUWJikQUOk7wzK2d45/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Previously at some post, we detailed a Bobby Circuit warm up routine. Continuing from that, the over and under pattern would repeat itself until the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">leaders were in front and everyone was done.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next exercise entailed the front pair sprinting 10 </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">meters and then lay on their stomachs flat on the </span>ground,<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> heads towards each other but creating a 1- </span>meter<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> wide corridor, and the next two doing the same </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and laying about 2 </span>meters<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> further.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This allowed the whole crew to sprint at full stride over </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">an array of flat bodies.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then the leading pair knelt on all fours, facing each </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">other with about a </span>meter<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> space </span>in <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">between them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following pair hopped feet together over the human </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">obstacles and kneeling on all fours, in the same manner, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">leaving enough space for one to hop over once without</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hurting anyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The routine went on until the leaders </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">were in front and everyo</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ne had their turn. The benefits of this complete physical condition and cardiovascular and respiratory preparation, was harmony amongst players, as the exercise was such fun.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There would be enough recovery time after each bout of </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">exercise. Pairs always enjoyed competing.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-47215406274172938842017-08-09T19:05:00.002+02:002017-08-09T19:05:58.420+02:00How to set up an attack<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUXhS4wu5F34kMz2mMwTLxQmKcAqULLvVEziPy0ygt56_rvybD045utFZgCvqBqvt2GNx8O6cI8t0kA0pMmCmvKXIYe8gz6L5aecKSMpz6r16dTvSaRL5n38mA4FGYBNCbMoFKJCno920/s1600/3-coaching-tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="583" data-original-width="1000" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUXhS4wu5F34kMz2mMwTLxQmKcAqULLvVEziPy0ygt56_rvybD045utFZgCvqBqvt2GNx8O6cI8t0kA0pMmCmvKXIYe8gz6L5aecKSMpz6r16dTvSaRL5n38mA4FGYBNCbMoFKJCno920/s320/3-coaching-tips.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once the team building process has developed from the goalkeeper, defense organization and midfield preparation, the offensive part is pursued.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before we engage the actual issues, it must be noted that the goalkeeper, centre back, central midfielder/anchor/destroyer and a good striker form the team spine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">whether you play with one, two or three strikers, you need to employ tactics in the team that will allow one extra fresh player to execute an attack when ball possession is regained.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the case of a lone striker, think of his abilities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can he play alone as a target man, that is, turning and running or dribbling towards the goal?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Or does he hold on to the ball, screen the defenders off the ball while waiting for support from attacking midfielders who must feed off him? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Playing with two strikers requires assessing your style of play as a coach critically and other players involved in the attack. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The two strikers may play square alongside each other or in tandem, one in front of the other. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When pressing high, football intelligence is critical.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is unwise to work hard to win the ball up high and when the ball is won, the team has no energy to use it</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Attackers need to work antagonistically like pistons during defending high or pressing in the attacking third.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This means that if one attacker approaches the ball, the next one must withdraw a little</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">body language is key.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The player approaching the ball needs to move in a way to force play in a certain direction.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This gives the trailing player the ability to anticipate well and get a better chance to retrieve the ball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tactically, the team is in attack when they have possession of the ball. It means the goalkeeper may initiate many attacks in a match and the attacking tactics must start with him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The ball distribution from him, that is the ability to accurately pass the ball to a teammate quickly is very critical</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is so, because the team attacking strongly to end the ball with the goalkeeper is out of balance defensively.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The quick and accurate ball release takes advantage of this instability as a counter-attack in initiated. This is the other crucial reason why a team must have a fresh attacker free, possibly along the centre line on the wings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In attack, the pace is everything. Good offensive teams have quality players who think quicker and act faster.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The margins, in this case, may mean a difference between a good team and the champions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy coaching folks.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-74511223008885708012017-08-02T01:13:00.001+02:002017-08-02T01:13:26.557+02:00Highlanders; The Technical Advisor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Bosso Tshilamoya)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I joined the Highlanders Football Club technical team as Technical Advisor in 2001, and, compared to my predecessors, I was too young and had had too much success too early, and the whole deal became disastrous.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amongst many memorable times, one of my greatest moments at the Club was a match against local city rivals, Amazulu Football Club. We beat Usuthu at Luveve 4-2 coming from 0-2 at half time, in one of Bosso’s best ever games.<br /><br />During my short stay at Bosso as the TA, we won two trophies after we beat Dynamos twice within weeks of each other. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a Dairiboard Charity Cup at Barbourfields Stadium and the Independence Cup at the National Sports Stadium of Harare.<br /><br />I am very proud of the achievements of the development program that produced Honour Gombami and Malala among others. During my stay, Mkhokheli Dube and Gilbert Banda were fast maturing and it is fulfilling to see where they are now.<br /><br />Johannes Ngodzo played his worst football then because he was a Highlanders and then a Railstars player while I was the coach there before he joined Bosso again. He had refused my attempts to keep him with the Sporo men.<br /><br />In reuniting with him at Tshilamoya, the feeling of guilt hindered his game despite my assurances and encouragement. He could only get his touch back in years to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The upcoming team of that time had potential to move mountains like the famous Liverpool. I proposed that we form a Division 2 football then to afford the youngsters competitive football on a weekly basis. It sounded ridiculous then, to have two Highlanders teams registered in different leagues, according to the team manager, Ernest Sibanda Maphepha. I am glad the system is in operation now.<br /><br />Working with Kenedy Ndebele, Liqhwa Gama and Isaac Mlilo under the leadership of Mangwana Tshuma was a rewarding experience. There was never a single moment that salaries were not paid on time.<br /><br />Professionalism was at its best, but the technical team did not measure up to the standards in terms of following the plans and schedules. Everyone was paid their friendly matches appearance fees at the stadium. For international matches, the payment was in cash and 3 days before the travel dates.<br /><br />That was efficiency at its best. The support given by Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube and Onius Ndebele of Computon was encouraging. They assisted players with their personal needs in their personal capacities.<br /><br />I had tremendous support and a great relationship with ‘abadala bempankeni’ (elders from the groove), the Board members. They were very encouraging and of course, humorous.<br /><br />In a different world and at a different time I could have served Bosso in a telling way. I have a conviction that I could have won Africa Champions League with that team and management. I really do. With Captain Fantastic, Thulani Biya Ncube, the first player ever to captain the club team, Under 23 national team and the senior national at the same, the leadership on and off the field strengthened the personal playing attributes of everyone in the team and the dressing room.<br /><br />I still harbor the ambitions to do so. Time will tell and that is a story for another day.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have no regrets at all and I learned quite a lot very fast. There was no boring moment and the camping was always a comedy show. The spirit was very good and the unity amazing. Siza 'Nkinko' Khoza always kept everyone in stitches at camp. There were strong characters like Richard Dabuka Express Choruma, Blessing MaGuma Guma Gumiso, Charles Chief Chilufya.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who can forget Eddie Dube, Melody Nkalakatha Wafawanaka, Gift Thebe Junior, Britto Gwere and Tapuwa Kapini amongst others?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having a Brazilian mentality of periodisation and sticking to the book at all times, trying to influence a local process purely based on playing experience, was very uncomfortable with our own established set up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I compromised on my principles and began to see my appointment as a long-term strategy for the club. And how wrong I was. It lasted 6 months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My perfectionist attitude did not help much and my high expectations of the Highlanders set-up was very unrealistic. More often than not, success gives the impression that there is progress, but for me success and progress are different, and I was looking forward to getting both simultaneously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Highlanders won several titles and a few attempts in the African Champions’ League before my arrival at the club. I had watched the latest botched attempt against Cameroon’s Sable de Batiethat was played at the Barbourfields Stadium.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I watched with a lot of interest and analysed it as much as possible and passed my thoughts to the technical team. From that match, I knew it would not be easy to change the fortunes of the team overnight. Exactly 12 months later, I was appointed Technical Advisor and the story was the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As before, this was a home-brewed disaster, many people crossing the bridge before we got to the river. There is no substitute for proper preparation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The greed of taking the glory of leading the team to Canaan was the war between the technical department, which I was supposed to lead, and the Executive Committee led by late Retired Colonel James Mangwana Tshuma.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The two of us led our camps that had underlying currents, as both our second-in-command did not tango well with each other. In the technical team, the problem was magnified by the fact that Rush needed to take my advice, but he was solely responsible for the team performance and results and had the final say. He made it clear I understood that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />I had acquired a high-level Advanced Diploma in Brazilian Football, of which Professors Carlos Alberto Pereira and Julio Cesar Leal were some of the lecturers. It is not an Advanced Diploma for nothing, and it is not a chance that the Brazilians have won the FIFA World Cup a record six times, and every other football competition in this world.<br /><br />Other prominent lecturers in that course included Professors Neto Esphezim, Paipfer Lula, Alberto Lancetta and Sebastiao Araujo who wrote many books and played alongside Pele and Mario Zagallo in the 1958 FIFA World Cup.<br /><br />I really enjoyed a great deal in all the road shows, and the full stadia everywhere we played. I had influence and leadership at promoting Railstars Football Club from the Division One with Barry Daka in 1997 and those moments brought so much joy and satisfaction. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In between, I formed a Division Two football academy KFA after purchasing Joseph James' Thorngrove status. In 38 matches, we scored over 100 goals and amassed over 100 points but Olivine won the promotion. That Academy produced Farai Zidane Mujokoro.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />At the end of my tenure, I was physically and mentally drained and Delma Lupepe asked to assist Jerry Mafripa (MHSRIP) but I could not take up the offer. Lupepe always wanted me to work with Charles Mhlauri at Amazulu before I joined Bosso, but his management team did not play ball and I do not regret I chose Mantengwane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do people still sing Mantengwane?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-83232595650873374792017-07-31T23:53:00.000+02:002017-07-31T23:53:18.455+02:00How to work on midfield preparation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the coach works from the back, the cover for the centre backs is paramount. The decision is whether to use two anchormen or central midfielders or one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As in defending, the organisation and the number of players needed must be decided but above all, the coach depends on the material he has. It is his philosophy and quality of players he has.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The idea is that the arrangement should shape well in defending first. Once that is sorted, the attacking option is taken into account.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Going forward, also think about how many players you want in the attacking movement. These midfielders behaviour is critical in the transition, or when the ball changes hands (feet).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a coach deploying a defensive structure, you give yourself an outlet by setting up for a chance to hurt the opponent by sudden speedy attack once the ball is won.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Midfielders then need to move into offensive positions quickly and effectively. The disguise, creativity and improvisation elements distort the team shape in order to destabilise the opponents and take them out of the best defensive positions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In all this, remember to close down the spaces behind, or channels on the side or corridors in the middle to avoid the opposition breakthrough. Carelessness in this instance will be counter productive and concentration levels must be high.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always have a very good defensive shape when attacking. All players need to remember at all times, that when attacking, they will have to defend when the ball is lost and that when defending, they will have to attack when the ball is regained.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the midfield shifting is as important as in defence. The wide players must be able to tuck into central areas when the ball is on the opposite wing or channel. This channel is called the strong channel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">intelligent play will detect that there is always have a ready outlet, usually on the weaker channel. In this case, it must be a very quick player who can run with the ball or dribble.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As soon as the ball is won, switching play diagonally across into space will force defenders to play facing their goalkeeper, a nightmare in any game at any level. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me say that many South African coaches prefer two central midfielders, with one more offensive and the other defensive. They alternate their movements forward all the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I personally prefer that both stay, and I have three coming back to receive the ball, turn and join the striker to attack. </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-61081604231967496232017-07-30T09:41:00.001+02:002017-07-30T15:45:39.106+02:00The most dramatic football action<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='400' height='326' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzEU25LgdSFDChqedw4bAgkYlX_fpJ8x6KitkGouSQiatjqARn46QRU3nNrq_zusPMoJOyb9L4XlvV951p3qg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The most dramatic football action ever in a real match happened 21 years ago.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-22330370812404878752017-07-26T20:04:00.003+02:002017-07-27T08:18:07.014+02:00Highlanders; What went wrong with Young Africans?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(This was the team team)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We played a brilliant 2-2 draw in Dar es Salaam and needed to see the video of the match we had played in Tanzania. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That video could not be made available as it was meant for "pay-per-view" at a location in the western remote part of town, a certain Shisa Nyama. I have not seen the video until now.<br /><br />One advantage we had in Tanzania was the input of the Simba Football Club coach, Jamhuri Kihwelo, a former national team captain and a friend I had met in Brazil.<br /><br />While not forthcoming with the information I needed as to how they defended or attacked, he shed light to a few possible tactics like their formation and their most influential players. I must admit the challenge of working with Rahman Rush Gumbo as head coach, Willard Khumalo as an assistant and Ernest Maphepha the Manager. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These people had great playing history for the club in their distinguished careers. Gumbo had a work routine that only I wanted to improve. It worked for him before and he was comfortable with it.<br /><br />Our training programs and schedules were solely a case of balancing the technical and tactical jobs and choosing the correct peak periods not to burn out before the climax or hitting peak after the climax of each period.<br /><br />Rush was solely responsible for the results but we lost our jobs at the same time, despite getting the results. There was no one to blame.<br /><br />The new Highlanders environment and the size of the responsibility for me were overwhelming. I had been Gumbo's coaching instructor in his coaching courses and therefore could not deputize him. It was two bulls in the same kraal, never easy on job ethics.</span></div>
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<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the return leg against Yanga, our preparations were sluggish and arrogant. We trained less and the input was very average. The suggestion to practise penalties was scorned at because as coaches, we did not give the Tanzanians any chance against us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We camped just after Windemere for most of the 2 weeks and moved to Cresta Churchill the night before the match. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a very late arrangement to move camp. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the match, the right winger made a few dangerous entries into the final third on the right, and delivered a few crosses. We failed to rectify the situation, even though we had identified it early enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember Barry Daka coming near the dug out and advising of the same, that the winger must be dealt with. Before he sat down, the cross was delivered and a header score to the far post.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A duplicate move resulted in the second goal later in the half. Players got desperate and fans got frustrated. Impatience in the attack made it difficult to get a goal. Anxiety and disbelief consumed the players and their energy levels dropped. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loss of concentration and desperation resulted in a penalty, with 5 minutes of play left. The fans had enough and ran onto the field in protest. I do not believe the penalty was genuine but the fans could not take another goal well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The violence that followed the 3-0 loss at home in the return leg led to the ban in the Africa Champions League by the Confederation of African Football, CAF.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-86929677021398626842017-07-25T14:56:00.002+02:002017-07-25T14:56:56.046+02:00How to defend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mourinho's tactical thinking)</td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Defending is the first point of preparation and building a team. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Defence is the best form of defending. Saying defending is the best form of attack is an insult to the game.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It means the progress of the attack of the opposition must be halted, usually as far away from the goal as possible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not always possible. Just as well, it may not be necessary to commit high up the field if the opponent is in full control of possession.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is due to easy creating of distances between the defending team players and spaces between units (defence, midfield, and attackers).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the opponents reach the midfield third, spaces between defenders and units must be reduced, and the angles must be narrow and correct, and the distances between defenders must be shorter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It can never be over-emphasised, the necessity and urgency of this scenario once the attack is increased and enters the final third.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At this point, regardless of the defending tactics, man-to-man marking is mandatory, no matter the level of the game or professionalism.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At all times, defending must begin with an individual, usually one nearest the ball. Supporting defending players must anticipate the ball movement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a technically superior team, it may be hard to choose the moment to engage in a defending action such as a tackle or cover. This is because of the unpredictability and quick decision making of top professionals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, if the opponents are of inferior technical ability, all pressure, anywhere and anytime will lead to a series of errors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The higher up the field the errors occur, the better. This is due to the fact that the next attack can be initiated closer to the target.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a general rule, up the field, marking is zonal, meaning that the players close the spaces and do not mark man-to-man.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the defending third, it must always be man-to-man, while in midfield, it can be a mixture of the two tactics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In summary, the principles of defending are; deny space and time, cover your team mate, anticipate the thinking of the attacker and their movement and the movement of the ball,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">intercept the ball and support among others.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-71942298708073615102017-07-24T10:15:00.002+02:002017-07-24T10:15:51.597+02:00Highlanders played Jomo Cosmos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIyhuCflej9uxeCRbJTAKXR4WzqWb-pRc8Iygw2ChQE8lUn8Tiayi2bTVy-tecXy_afUHvfeMQPS2WdE1Y4NRw-5JnuC5ZX7zi8g_GMthDh2e27T2t3OkVgm44NmZQShV9XM5Zr9Z58k_/s1600/Bosso-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="668" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiIyhuCflej9uxeCRbJTAKXR4WzqWb-pRc8Iygw2ChQE8lUn8Tiayi2bTVy-tecXy_afUHvfeMQPS2WdE1Y4NRw-5JnuC5ZX7zi8g_GMthDh2e27T2t3OkVgm44NmZQShV9XM5Zr9Z58k_/s320/Bosso-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Bosso rumoured to visit RSA soon)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Few weeks after the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Highlanders Football Club, the team known as Amahlolanyama of the Mantengwane fame traveled to Johannesburg by road to play the then First Division side, Jomo Cosmos.<br /><br />The trip was Bosso’s first in more than 25 years. The match took place at the Johannesburg Stadium attracting 20 000 spectators and ending 0-0.<br /><br />The match raised awareness of Xenophobia attacks and money for the victims of hate crime that began to spread in informal settlements of South Africa.<br /><br />The noble cause of the organizers was overshadowed by the rousing welcome the team received by those who relived the glory of yesteryears.<br /><br />The anti-climax of the display on the pitch epitomized what many shuddered to think about, that their beloved Highlanders had become a toothless bulldog.<br /><br />Zimbabweans in Bulawayo knew how badly the team had deteriorated, but for everyone else, the state of denial never left until the fateful afternoon.<br /><br />The once mighty team of the nation were indeed the weeping boys of the game they owned. Prior to the trip, the club faced disciplinary action and the magistrates’ courts for different reasons. <br /><br />Fans had rioted at matches and the several debtors attached club equipment and property. The coach was Mohammed Fathi of Egypt, and a few months later, he took the club to the labor court to demand his payments. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In short, the club had no money but plenty of debts.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Many people could not believe how average a team like Highlanders can become. You may have thought Bosso players had an opportunity to display their skills.</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-31566615798095699622017-07-19T20:15:00.003+02:002017-07-19T20:15:45.678+02:00How to counter the start/restart strategy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwVaIZEPSnzFWv6bZTbdM-0Ypua6xqM9crs-ytpJ9u1-3PGJ8AW3IYjUieV6ULPg6oIwhMeBi071KOpwNW66e7htQ1jo4FnSzeaKDQjMOaPGv5mgccGmq4d4v-AFt1euKI1UEKHvk5YYo/s1600/CoachTacticFolder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1150" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwVaIZEPSnzFWv6bZTbdM-0Ypua6xqM9crs-ytpJ9u1-3PGJ8AW3IYjUieV6ULPg6oIwhMeBi071KOpwNW66e7htQ1jo4FnSzeaKDQjMOaPGv5mgccGmq4d4v-AFt1euKI1UEKHvk5YYo/s320/CoachTacticFolder.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Strategise as a coach - Plan to plan)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We discussed how the start/restart has changed in recent months and how it is used. There was a brief look at how one can take advantage of the situation, but usually, you may be the small team and you face the similar situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How then, do you counter the long diagonal ball across, when playing against a technically superior team?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are the weak team playing against a team that will do that, then you need a counter strategy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Your wing defenders and wingers need to drop a little in anticipation of the long diagonal ball and runners. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This ensures that the ball gets to them first or it falls in front of them without having to turn and face their goalkeeper from the onset.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In case the ball falls in front of them, and taken by an opponent, the wing players will have to use the touch line as a team mate and shuttle the opponent across the field or to play back. Then the objective is achieved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No player wants to be tackled in the first minute or before the whole team has touched the ball. The other necessary thought to bank on is that the whole defense has time to shift while the ball is in the air. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, either way, use the tactic to intimidate a small team, and if you are small, do not be intimidated. Be prepared. Start at training.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-72507754552961755672017-07-18T15:24:00.000+02:002017-07-18T15:24:10.114+02:00Highlanders; Did you know?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKWLUTNGoHa0hy3y9KYsmewvbB1XY7KQpMnVvoSQMsu8AmBM8dgLKE_okQS_P8ME1uacTlrtprVp-8smEtfHT6I0VuiHKIIkTb1QJ7Izu2fYDXOlMdqJ8DboWk2PXBKmMW0qm6UNND3nK/s1600/Bosso+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="490" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKWLUTNGoHa0hy3y9KYsmewvbB1XY7KQpMnVvoSQMsu8AmBM8dgLKE_okQS_P8ME1uacTlrtprVp-8smEtfHT6I0VuiHKIIkTb1QJ7Izu2fYDXOlMdqJ8DboWk2PXBKmMW0qm6UNND3nK/s320/Bosso+Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Tshilamoya)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highlanders Football Club was the first club to undertake a European tour in 1986 when the team toured Germany.<br /><br />The successful trip profited the team as they had two luxury buses donated by their hosts. Willard Mashinkila Khumalo ?(mhsrip) and Madinda Ndlovu secured contracts that kept them there until the twilight of their careers.<br /><br />Bosso had also achieved a first in becoming the first football club in Zimbabwe to engage the services of a foreign coach. Bobby Clark became responsible for the well-oiled development programs and coach education.<br /><br />Years after he left, training sessions still dwelt on his imaginative physical sequential warm–up routine named after him.<br /><br />The Bobby Circuit was a complete dynamic wholesome and rhythmic group exercise that catered well for a huge number of people.<br /><br />Paired according to size, stamina, and speed, players would jog thrice or so around the pitch in two rows. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The leading pair would sprint for about 10 meters and then revert to the jog, and then the next two would do the same overtaking the leaders, and keep a 10-metre distance ahead of the leaders and so forth until the leaders were in their initial leading position.<br /><br />Next, in a similar fashion, it would develop into a zig-zag sprint until, again, the leaders were ahead of the pack and every pair had their turn. The leaders determined what came next and they would wait until all had their turn.<br /><br />Those in front would then bend over, feet astride for the next pair to jump over them. The third pair would jump over the first and crawl under the next two, all at very high pace.</span></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-61958359343851927992017-07-13T15:09:00.002+02:002017-07-13T15:09:19.545+02:00How to think offensive from the onset<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Attack is the best form of attack)</span></td></tr>
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In starting a match, the ball should not be played backward if the team is attack minded.<br />
<br />
At the start of each match, all one can see now is the same boring and useless routine of playing a long ball back. Why? I would love to hear the logic from the experts.<br />
<br />
To me, that is exactly one way not to score a goal. It is an extremely negative act of the beautiful game. Actually, it is very ugly.<br />
<br />
The rule before adjustment was that the ball should move forward a distance equivalent to its circumference and that the opposition players must be 9.15 meters or 10 yards from the ball.<br />
<br />
The last portion of the statement was what made the center circle necessary.<br />
It serves the same purpose as the D-arc, which ensures the distance between the penalty spot (ball) and the rest of the players.<br />
<br />
How can one capitalise on the rule change for an attacking advantage? We will address the issue in the next post.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-16625567321291384022017-07-12T19:58:00.000+02:002017-07-12T19:58:06.955+02:00How to capitalise on new rule changes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Coaching Board)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The European Championship in 2016 brought something new at the start and restart of play. Play can start once the ball moves. The issue of direction was made redundant.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do you take advantage of that play at the restart? If you have a ball, there must be wingers in the team ready to attack. These wing players must stay a meter of so away from the center line to sprint to the ball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With one single diagonal kick, the ball can land behind opposition wing defenders, forcing them to defend facing their goal before even kicking the ball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the opposition is a small or weak team playing away from home, this drives fear in the team. They feel they are at the wrong place before the match really gets under way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their supporters feel the same pressure and can start whistling and booing their own team. The situation is not different if the match is home. The home fans begin to doubt their team's ability to play a high profile match, team or competition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is all you may need if all of your tactics are spot on. It is a cutting edge that your opposition may not anticipate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the next post, we will look at defending and how to coach it.</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-86392158885765179822017-07-10T12:32:00.000+02:002017-07-10T12:32:07.213+02:00Mamelodi Sundowns make CAF Champions League fashionable<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Judas Moseamedi - 2017 Castle Cosafa Plate winner)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The South Africa national team won the 2017 Castle Cosafa Plate on Friday night, and we already forgot they are champions. That is all we can say about that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mamelodi Sundowns have made the CAF Champions League fashionable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The revived the interest and have turned up the style.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since the Orlando Pirates victory in 1995, Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs had reached the finals once before Minwana Phezulu recently won it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dynamos of Zimbabwe reached the finals on two separate occasions in between, and they were coached by the new Castle Cosafa Cup winner, Sunday Chidzambwa.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This tournament used to be the domain of Zamalek. Al Ahli, Rajah Casablanca, JS Kabilye, Esperance, Asante Kotoko, Hearts of Oak of Ghana and Canon Younde, just to name a few.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For some reasons, South African teams never took participating in Africa worthwhile, until now. It was probably financially unwise as the local teams lost resources and risked injuries instead of focussing on the local league and cups.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since Sundowns gave this tournament their all, it has suddenly improved in stature and interest in South Africa and the continent has immensely increased.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The long-term effect on Bafana Bafana performance can never be over-emphasised. Losing the quarter-final in the Castle Cosafa Cup to Tanzania at home was an embarrassment. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, most South African teams playing club continental football are doing very well and that minor setback shall be forgotten.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Both Platinum Stars and Supersport United are progressed very well, with Supersport and Sundowns already in the knockout stages of the tournament - the quarter-finals of their respective competitions</span>.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-21732666838425582282017-07-09T17:16:00.002+02:002017-07-09T20:59:20.800+02:00Zimbabwe beat Zambia 3-1 in 2017 Cosafa Final <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Karuru - Zimbabwe Captain and Cosafa Top Goal Scorer)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Zimbabwe beat Zambia 3-1 in the 2017 Castle Cosafa Cup in a tactically superior battle of the titans. While playing hard and positive, the display was not direct but calculated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Zimbabweans lifted the Cup a record 5th time. They score their 19th goal in 6 matches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eleven of those goals came from Karuru (6) and Mutizwa (5). They showed maturity from match day one until the end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It must be said that both these countries' players exhibited similar playing intelligence in terms of anticipation, execution of basic technique and tactical awareness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final third entry proved to be exceptionally quick and the penetration very sleek for both sides. As a way to cement the point that the two countries deserved to play the final, the play was always switched from flank to flank, channel to channel, zone to zone and unit to unit with great peripheral vision.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It proved to be a great game of football overall and South Africa could do well to take some notes. Most of the game's characteristics result from sound football development structures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Compared to South Africans, the Zimbabwean and Zambian players calculated 4 to 6 moves in advance like chess players. The Bafana Bafana seem to receive the ball, do everything they way and then decide what to do with it next.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the group stages, Zimbabwe scored 12 goals without reply, announcing their intentions loud and clear. They were by far the most complete team, with the flawless attacking brand of football and solid defending.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Knox Mutizwa was Player of the Tournament, while Ovidy Karuru top scored with 6 goals. Tanzania provided the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-83369570143714951892017-07-06T16:35:00.002+02:002017-07-06T16:35:44.527+02:00A review of the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-JiZ8Q-JZ04/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-JiZ8Q-JZ04?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<h1 class="dcm-articletitle" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2e2e2e; font-weight: 200; line-height: 40px; margin: 10px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A review of the FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017 from www.fifa.com</span></h1>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-25904512846949109542017-07-03T09:32:00.001+02:002017-07-03T09:32:14.073+02:00Of 2017 Cosafa and Confederations Cup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W93VOoSORbTTI5jDiCn6zdMCYWGZlw0kKKvBDp604pb7GbNcpxUlwHFr57hefT2E-vNR8eXUOLpmdJLaBgWX2bQiyX8r4Vu-ZvBInoT1UwTzNhWlraHJu9bb1cNQK2fgDnjEqOSeeon9/s1600/3669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3W93VOoSORbTTI5jDiCn6zdMCYWGZlw0kKKvBDp604pb7GbNcpxUlwHFr57hefT2E-vNR8eXUOLpmdJLaBgWX2bQiyX8r4Vu-ZvBInoT1UwTzNhWlraHJu9bb1cNQK2fgDnjEqOSeeon9/s320/3669.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(2017 Confed Champs; Photo by Getty images)</span></td></tr>
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The Cosafa hosts and holders, South Africa, lost the quarter-final 1-0 to tournament invitees, Tanzania. Our previous assertion that the losers of the quarter-finals do go home in the last article was wrong. They play in the other less prestigious semi-final for the Plate.<br />
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Stuart Baxter's Bafana Bafana pathetically tried to play football for 90 + minutes without success. With less pressure in playing for a plate, they may rise. Zimbabwe were in no charitable mood, dispatching Swaziland 2-1.<br />
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In the Russia Confederations Cup, Portugal had to stretch every sinew to beat a determined Mexican side 2-1 for the bronze. Mexico led 1-0 until about the last kick of the regulation time. Pepe equalised and sent the match to extra time.<br />
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The momentum was with the Europeans and the South Americans suffered a sucker punch through a well converted penalty.<br />
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Germany reigned supreme, beating Chile by an odd goal. The Fifa World Cup champions played second fiddle for the best part of the match. They capitalised on the silliest mistake any school team can make.<br />
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A sequence of casual back passes led to the simple dispossession of the defender, square pass and a simple tap in. The South Americans through every kitchen sink at Germany without success.<br />
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Germany won the Confederations Cup for the first time, not without a sweat. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5045416739109932810.post-3673931501422001062017-07-02T13:46:00.002+02:002017-07-03T09:17:32.374+02:00The 2017 Cosafa format not good<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(www.wikipedia.com)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 2017 Castle Cosafa format is bad and unfair. The thinking behind the idea of denying other players game-time is unclear. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Fifa ranking used byes should have been used for group seeding. As it is, lower ranked teams like Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and Madagascar come and play 3 matches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lesotho, Swaziland, South Africa, Zambia and Namibia join in at a later, play 90 minutes and go home, if unlucky. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A nation must not prepare, camp and travel for a single match, because as seeded teams, they only play quarter finals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Few players come in as substitutes, play 10 or 5 minutes, lose and go home, just like that. To be fair and for developmental purposes, all teams must play group stages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those 10/15 minute players do not have an opportunity to showcase their talents. They come to the tournament looking to audition for the Absa Premier League showcase. Eve though their national teams are ranked higher, coaches get a chance to see more of the unseeded team players. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most players want to play more. There is no incentive to be highly ranked if it means playing less. Hopefully, the organisers will have a look and see if their format can be made to benefit all equally. It could be cost related, but then rather compromise on the overall prize money.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seeded teams can win it after 3 matches, while the qualifiers need 6 matches to win it. These have an advantage of having warmed up to the finals long enough, though burn out and fatigue due to short recovery periods between matches can be counter-productive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What has been your Cosafa moment so far?</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0