Subject: [NT] News

Sorry I've been a bit quiet. Getting accustomed to the new chair. :)

There's always lots to do when assuming a new position. But with a crucial match Saturday, getting familiar with the players is the top priority. The database is a great help, but I've messaged a number of managers for fresh updates. The first match is usually done with incomplete or imperfect information.

I haven't followed the South African roster too closely in recent seasons, so I've got a learning curve to climb. My first thoughts of South African players drift to guys like Behr and Madigage ... My first NT match of consequence was directing Canada against South Africa in this world cup match (Blais was the South African manager). Greyling almost brought South Africa a result after a late strip of Canada's CB Fichaud. Interesting to see many of the players from that match still contributing, though lots of young blood too.

I hate it when NT managers try to lower expectations ... but I hope most have a realistic outlook for the season. The WC group draw is such that South Africa has very little chance of qualifying. Being in a group of 5 means there is no chance at one of the 3rd place spots. So we'd have to finish ahead of USA and New Zealand. Sneaking 1 or 2 wins is possible, but that would probably take 3. Somewhat unlikely.

On the bright side, New Zealand is a team I know inside and out. I'm also ... err ... not easing the transition to the new manager. USA is a team I follow fairly closely, and know reasonably well. Both will be tough opponents, but not mysteries.

I'll have more to say about the New Zealand match tomorrow. Arranging friendlies too, but it's a lower priority then this weekend's preparations.

Wow, that match was quite some time ago! The forwards from that time have faded out of contention, some of the mids are borderline, and the backs are still featuring a fair bit. In all, the team has got quite a bit stronger since then. Just look at the marks Yohane, Baloyi and Mabotsa produced compared with their recent efforts!

Please feel free to update the players in the database and adjust NT requirements as you see fit. I like to keep a high tolerance level to keep as many players as possible in the broader net of players on the 'awaiting list', but the actual requirements for the first team can be adjusted to suit your needs.

Think if memory serves me right i was the last coach to guide SA to qualify for the WC :)

Edward Khambule, age: 25

club: real montenegro, country: South Africa
value: 672 500 €, wage: 8 400 €
very good form, brilliant tactical discipline

formidable stamina tragic keeper
incredible +6 pace very good defender
incredible technique outstanding +5 playmaker
outstanding +5 passing adequate striker


As you can see he is close to pop in pace, passing and playmaking. He's 25 years old and I can't keep training him, during next weeks I will train what he needs to pop up and then put him on sale.
I only wrote here few weeks before selling if someone wants to bring him back home or if Seca wants to find at least a pace trainer for him.
I'm sorry if the message is in a wrong topic, just tell me and I will delete it.

Thanks Penny! You've done a great job training him.

Indeed! The forum maybe isn't the best place to place scouting. The database is preferred (see the team page for how to do this), or failing that an SK-mail my direction.

I'm very pleased with the players I've seen so far. :)

Nice to have a #1 keeper like Roberts. Pretty easy selection, and a guy who can steal the odd match for you. Not a ton of depth behind him, so hopefully he stays healthy and sees an uptick in form.

The defense is rugged and has surprising depth. Even with Goliath (a player I greatly respect) suspended this weekend, I won't be constrained tactically. Some very promising young defenders who might not make an immediate impact, but bode well for the future.

The midfield is gritty, which I love. In Mabizela, it has an offense threat opponents have to take notice of. Shame his form is off at present. Some future hopefuls here too - I think Dafel is going to be a nice player.

Striker looks like the most difficult position to get a handle on. There doesn't seem to be a clear #1. There are a number of nice and varied options. I suspect this will be the toughest part of selection most weeks. Will be important for striker trainers to keep me up-to-date.

There is an NT middie (Robin Shongwe) on the TL. Some might be interested for nostalgic reasons. He's clearly past his prime, and I'm not sure why he's still on the roster. :)

He got released by a bot team just a couple of weeks ago. Seems the buyer is passing him on again quickly.

Being in a group of 5 means two additional weeks of friendlies. And in those two weeks, there are only 3 teams without scheduled games (South Africa, Nigeria and Israel in our case). That means 1 team goes without a match each of those weeks (3 & 13).

Israel's manager was the first to figure this out. He's booked Nigeria this week and us in week 13. Long story short, there will be no match this weekend.

My apologies. I would really like to have a match to help familiarize myself with the players, and give some of the 2 yellow card guys a chance to clean their slate. It's unfortunate to miss out. The next match will be week 4 against Egypt.

A few knocks today, but nothing longer then two weeks ... meaning these players will be available again by the next qualifying match.

Form updates are something I try to follow closely. The two key players atm are Mabielza and Roberts. Mabielza held at weak, while Roberts slid from formidable[ to solid. Would really help if both started trending upwards. :)

Good thing Mabizela got his crosses in last week despite his form.

Mabizela has been under very good form for 2 seasons.
(edited)

A couple of players in the transfer announcements that should be noted.

Edward Khambule is a crucial player in South Africa's midfield. His owner is going to sell him when he completes his current level of passing. At 25, his training window is closing. It would be great if he could continue training a little longer after this sale. Ideally he'd get some tackling training, but realistically I think we should be happy if he continues to be trained in any skill. He won't be cheap.

The other player I wanted to point out is Timothy Dyers. Still quite trainable at 23, with some PM and tech he could become a nice central midfielder. With some pace and tech he could develop into a respectable wingback. He would have played today if his stamina were better (I rarely use my subs on defenders). So if he fits your training program, keep an eye on him. He could potentially be a bit of a deal when he sells.

Striker George Meiring is also in the advertisements. He is way behind Mahule and Mapela that are both just 1 year older. When I start cleaning up the roster Meiring is almost guaranteed to be one of the players dropped.

Thanks for the heads up, Seca.

I can't see myself being able to make room for Dyers in my training squad, and I've a feeling Khambule will cost more than I can raise. Will watch for him though.
(edited)