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Subject: [NT] Fixtures
Friendly NT matches
Week 4 - Indonesia
Week 8 - Malaysia
week 12 - Viet Nam
week 15 - Republica Dominicana (u21)
Week 0 - Island (u21)
week 1 - FREE
Only week 1 remains free.
grtz
(edited)
Week 4 - Indonesia
Week 8 - Malaysia
week 12 - Viet Nam
week 15 - Republica Dominicana (u21)
Week 0 - Island (u21)
week 1 - FREE
Only week 1 remains free.
grtz
(edited)
Bit of a harsh result against Greece today. They probably deserved the win, but the two goal margin flatters them a little (IMO). South Africa played pretty well despite being a man down for much of the match.
Every NT coach would like to win his last game, but it's considered a courtesy to the incoming manager NOT to expose the front-line players to injuries/suspension the week before qualifications starts. I was worried when I saw the line-up. :/ And with cause - no Lakay or Goliath for the New Zealand match.
Every NT coach would like to win his last game, but it's considered a courtesy to the incoming manager NOT to expose the front-line players to injuries/suspension the week before qualifications starts. I was worried when I saw the line-up. :/ And with cause - no Lakay or Goliath for the New Zealand match.
Ouch. A tough qualification test just got tougher.
I'll set up database access for both new coaches tomorrow morning.
I'll set up database access for both new coaches tomorrow morning.
hope to work closer with you guys now i'm U21 coach of South Africa
Friendly this week is against Egypt. The match was a little slow getting booked, so preparations were delayed.
For the most part, the line-up is second stringers or out-of-form guys who aren't likely to be called upon against USA next week (don't want to risk injury or suspension). The possible exception is up front, where I'm still not certain who (if) the #1 threat is. Permall was magnificent against New Zealand, but that doesn't guarantee his place. So there are a few different strikers getting a chance this week that might well feature again next week.
I hope to have a moment to post the line-up before game time. Discretion isn't as important this week. :)
For the most part, the line-up is second stringers or out-of-form guys who aren't likely to be called upon against USA next week (don't want to risk injury or suspension). The possible exception is up front, where I'm still not certain who (if) the #1 threat is. Permall was magnificent against New Zealand, but that doesn't guarantee his place. So there are a few different strikers getting a chance this week that might well feature again next week.
I hope to have a moment to post the line-up before game time. Discretion isn't as important this week. :)
Match agaisnt Egypt probably went according to expectations. The first half was very tightly fought with some great saves from the opposition keeper (only time he was beaten was on a fumble rather then a shot). Second half South Africa's class shone through a little more.
Tactically, the striker placement was poor due to Egypt's especially deep defensive line. Otherwise, I was pretty happy with player placement. I found it interesting that South Africa attempted significantly more back passes then Egypt. The most recent ME changes were intended (at least in part) to make ultra-defensive tactics more difficult. Despite playing 7 behind the ball, Egypt did a relatively good job of firing the ball upfield.
The Mahule injury is disappointing. Should his form spike he might have been in the mix next week (suppose the odds of that were small - still hate seeing a young player go down). Despite a relatively low conversion rate, I was pretty happy with the play of the strikers. Egypt's tactic meant they were taking a number of fairly long distance shots, and they were getting many of these on target - which gives a chance for a rebound even if saved. Khanyile really brought some spark off the bench.
MarcL can correct me if I'm wrong, but that may well have been venerable Madigage's NT debut at striker. :P Didn't do too bad. :D Missed a sitter, but showed some tenacity (which he of course is known for) picking up his own rebound for his goal.
Perhaps the player whose stock rose the most in this match was Kubheka. I thought he had an excellent game. Some of that is a decisive skill advantage versus his opposite, but often there is a place to be found for a gritty player who is smart with the ball.
Back to qualifying next week, with a very tough much vs. USA.
Tactically, the striker placement was poor due to Egypt's especially deep defensive line. Otherwise, I was pretty happy with player placement. I found it interesting that South Africa attempted significantly more back passes then Egypt. The most recent ME changes were intended (at least in part) to make ultra-defensive tactics more difficult. Despite playing 7 behind the ball, Egypt did a relatively good job of firing the ball upfield.
The Mahule injury is disappointing. Should his form spike he might have been in the mix next week (suppose the odds of that were small - still hate seeing a young player go down). Despite a relatively low conversion rate, I was pretty happy with the play of the strikers. Egypt's tactic meant they were taking a number of fairly long distance shots, and they were getting many of these on target - which gives a chance for a rebound even if saved. Khanyile really brought some spark off the bench.
MarcL can correct me if I'm wrong, but that may well have been venerable Madigage's NT debut at striker. :P Didn't do too bad. :D Missed a sitter, but showed some tenacity (which he of course is known for) picking up his own rebound for his goal.
Perhaps the player whose stock rose the most in this match was Kubheka. I thought he had an excellent game. Some of that is a decisive skill advantage versus his opposite, but often there is a place to be found for a gritty player who is smart with the ball.
Back to qualifying next week, with a very tough much vs. USA.
You're probably right, Seca. Madigage must've really loved it when he got sent on up front! ;)
I also thought Kubheka did really well, especially since he had the whole central midfield to cover with Chacho's red card.
All three of the real strikers show potential. Khanyile did particularly well, though that might have been partly due to coming on later in the game.
As you say, expected result, but still a good scoreline considering the line up and playing with 10 men for most of the match. Well done again.
I also thought Kubheka did really well, especially since he had the whole central midfield to cover with Chacho's red card.
All three of the real strikers show potential. Khanyile did particularly well, though that might have been partly due to coming on later in the game.
As you say, expected result, but still a good scoreline considering the line up and playing with 10 men for most of the match. Well done again.
All set for the friendly against Sénégal. Same approach as vs. Egypt. Not risking any probably starters next week, and trying to give young lads a chance to prove themselves whereever possible.
(edited)
(edited)
Match went much as expected. Even with back ups in, South Africa's side had much more quality.
Didn't change much tactically - just adjusted some throw-in coverage and a bit of striker positioning. In part because I don't want to tip anything heading into another Q match next week, and in part because I thought this tactic would work well against the expected formation from Sénégal. I was happy with it. We were able to exploit some open passing lanes and get some good chances on goal.
Most everyone played well. C Khanyile obviously had a good match - made excellent use of his pace. Also wanted to note Fredericks on defense. I thought he was a questionable selection, but he played rather well. Only player I was disappointed in was Fish, who I thought had an absolutely dreadful match.
I really liked the first goal. :) Some very quick, smart passing and build-up followed by an excellent finish. Even if you don't have time to watch the whole match, if you follow the team I'd encourage you to check this out - it's in minute 4, so it won't take long. :) The play starts with a clever little pass from Fredericks.
Back to qualifying again next week.
Didn't change much tactically - just adjusted some throw-in coverage and a bit of striker positioning. In part because I don't want to tip anything heading into another Q match next week, and in part because I thought this tactic would work well against the expected formation from Sénégal. I was happy with it. We were able to exploit some open passing lanes and get some good chances on goal.
Most everyone played well. C Khanyile obviously had a good match - made excellent use of his pace. Also wanted to note Fredericks on defense. I thought he was a questionable selection, but he played rather well. Only player I was disappointed in was Fish, who I thought had an absolutely dreadful match.
I really liked the first goal. :) Some very quick, smart passing and build-up followed by an excellent finish. Even if you don't have time to watch the whole match, if you follow the team I'd encourage you to check this out - it's in minute 4, so it won't take long. :) The play starts with a clever little pass from Fredericks.
Back to qualifying again next week.
Yep, match went well. That first goal was great; a number of crisp passes before the shot.
Agree totally about Fish - he was awful today. Khanyile did markedly better than Mahule while he was on. Didn't really notice the work from Fredericks, but it's good to know we have some fair backup players for the first squad. Malatsi's pace is quite something too.
Agree totally about Fish - he was awful today. Khanyile did markedly better than Mahule while he was on. Didn't really notice the work from Fredericks, but it's good to know we have some fair backup players for the first squad. Malatsi's pace is quite something too.
All set for the friendly match against Bosna i Hercegovina. No arrangements were made. Since we have next week off from qualifying, there really aren`t limitations on our line-up. Still, taking the opportunity to get a few younger players in (that can benefit from the wee training bonus). Players with 2 yellows will also get preferential selection (like Mabizela).
It should be an interesting match. BiH has a competitive team and is in the same tier as South Africa.
It should be an interesting match. BiH has a competitive team and is in the same tier as South Africa.
Yeesh. If you haven't watched the match, then don't. It's excruciating.
My tactic was poor. I did not position the strikers for 3 defenders. Meant they were covered a good portion of the time. The DMs were not positioned particularly well for 3 strikers either. BiH was able to generate some good chances against. Sorry guys. I will do better. :)
The players didn't help me out much. :P South Africa's passing in this match was brutal. Far more South Africa posessions ended with a BiH interception then a BiH tackle. Very frustrating. Granted, I didn't have a lot of passing in the middle of the pitch, but all Letebe and Khomane were supposed to do was chip the ball to their flank middie (they actually did a reasonable job at this). Much of the problem was passing from the defense - they often chose to by-pass the midfield, which would be ok if they could hit the right shirt colour. Part of the problem as well was that Mabizela was not able to influence the match. Seemed much of the play went down the other side.
Apart from Mabizela (who was in b/c of 2 yellow cards) the line-up was all 24 or younger. The ratings, for the most part, weren't bad. That's encouraging, even if the play and tactic was flat today.
We have Israel lined up for next week.
My tactic was poor. I did not position the strikers for 3 defenders. Meant they were covered a good portion of the time. The DMs were not positioned particularly well for 3 strikers either. BiH was able to generate some good chances against. Sorry guys. I will do better. :)
The players didn't help me out much. :P South Africa's passing in this match was brutal. Far more South Africa posessions ended with a BiH interception then a BiH tackle. Very frustrating. Granted, I didn't have a lot of passing in the middle of the pitch, but all Letebe and Khomane were supposed to do was chip the ball to their flank middie (they actually did a reasonable job at this). Much of the problem was passing from the defense - they often chose to by-pass the midfield, which would be ok if they could hit the right shirt colour. Part of the problem as well was that Mabizela was not able to influence the match. Seemed much of the play went down the other side.
Apart from Mabizela (who was in b/c of 2 yellow cards) the line-up was all 24 or younger. The ratings, for the most part, weren't bad. That's encouraging, even if the play and tactic was flat today.
We have Israel lined up for next week.
Mabizela hardly ever got down the line to cross, while Chacho on the opposite flank manged to do so a couple of times. Probably has something to do with the striker on their respective sides, and the service they were getting.
As for the strikers, it looked like they had been specifically instructed not to shoot at any cost! ;)
As for the strikers, it looked like they had been specifically instructed not to shoot at any cost! ;)
As for the strikers, it looked like they had been specifically instructed not to shoot at any cost! ;)
First 10 minutes South Africa had some really nice play, but no shots. Frustrating.
The passing may not have been worse then usual. It may just look worse when there are only 3 defenders back there.
Anyway, the tactic clearly could have been better. Would have been a nice week to break out a pure winger.
Match with Israel is booked. Talking U23 or U24. Either way there won't be any frontline players involved with a qualifying match the following week.
First 10 minutes South Africa had some really nice play, but no shots. Frustrating.
The passing may not have been worse then usual. It may just look worse when there are only 3 defenders back there.
Anyway, the tactic clearly could have been better. Would have been a nice week to break out a pure winger.
Match with Israel is booked. Talking U23 or U24. Either way there won't be any frontline players involved with a qualifying match the following week.
Line-up is all set for Israel. Had to use a couple of A-squad players in order to satisfy U23. Not a big problem, but still hope they make it through injury free. :)
Hoping for a better outing then last week ... especially from the manager. :P
Hoping for a better outing then last week ... especially from the manager. :P
Good luck! Won't be able to watch it live this week, but hopefully later this afternoon. Always look forward to it.