Subpage under development, new version coming soon!
Subject: [NT] News
as nobody wants to give it a try :) i ll run for nt :)
For now you have my vote.
I dont think there is really much to lose. We are a small nation so you know how it is.
I dont think there is really much to lose. We are a small nation so you know how it is.
Just a not-so-little wind up to my two seasons in charge.
First, I wanted to thank MarcL for all his help and encouragement over the past two seasons. It was a friendship with MarcL that had me consider the position in the first place, and his efforts with the NT are really invaluable. The South African community is fortunate to have such a dedicated manager amoung them. :)
All in all, I'm happy with how the past two seasons went. The team fought very hard in a difficult WC qualifying group, and stayed alive almost to the very end. This past season was unfortunately marred by one flat match against Ireland in the unofficial WC tournament, and did see the offense dry up for a while. But it also had a few nice results, and ended up leaving the team in pretty good standing.
Striker
The striker position is pretty positive. During the past 2 seasons it's been a steady diet of the "big 3" (J Sait, Mahule & Mapela). None are the all-round killer striker you'd like to have, but the beauty of this group is that they each have unique strengths and weaknesses. It allows for a variety of attacks, and gives the team the diversity up front needed to compete. Mapela, unforutately, spent most of the past 2 seasons out of form and maybe didn't play as much as the others, but all look to be important contributors moving forward.
Midfield
I was thrilled when I first looked through the scouting reports for the midfield. I love a gritty group that can win balls and close down the opposing attack. I originally viewed Baloyi as the anchor of the crew, but after a couple of good matches his form tanked, and hasn't recoverd. It has meant the midfield transition has occurred more quickly - giving Letebe in particular a chance to get some caps and shine. Strange as it sounds, the team (IMO) does have a bit of a weakness at wing - when I assumed control, Mabizela was considered world class. But age seems to have caught up with him, and he really has a hard time against top competition. Khambule has done a good job wide of late, but again he will really struggle against defenders at the top level. Observers should be watching for that speedy technical whiz with a gifted passing foot who will replace Mabizela out wide.
Defense
I considered the defense to be the strength of the team when I came here, and I still do. Mule is an absolute star, and there is a very capable core around him. Goliath is perhaps getting a little long in the tooth, but he's still top drawer. Youngsters like Malatsi and Rapelego have great potential and will be ready to step in when he eventually falters. Against top competition this group may still make mistakes, but they are good enough that if they all have a strong match on the same day, they can lock down top competition.
Goal
The #1 thing a team needs to compete is a top notch keeper. It won't make the difference every game, but when you've got quality in net, there's always a chance to sneak out one of those matches where you get outshot 10-1. Roberts is that guy, and is still relatively young. It's very encouraging to see young Jaba on the U21 side - some added depth in this key position.
Overall
A team that's got a star keeper, a capable defense, and some difficult to defend offensive weapon has a chance to win anytime it plays. IMO South Africa's got 2/3 of those conditions. For a nation with such a small user base, it's fantastic to maintain such a competitive team. You should all be congratulated! :) Keep pulling and training those young stars!
First, I wanted to thank MarcL for all his help and encouragement over the past two seasons. It was a friendship with MarcL that had me consider the position in the first place, and his efforts with the NT are really invaluable. The South African community is fortunate to have such a dedicated manager amoung them. :)
All in all, I'm happy with how the past two seasons went. The team fought very hard in a difficult WC qualifying group, and stayed alive almost to the very end. This past season was unfortunately marred by one flat match against Ireland in the unofficial WC tournament, and did see the offense dry up for a while. But it also had a few nice results, and ended up leaving the team in pretty good standing.
Striker
The striker position is pretty positive. During the past 2 seasons it's been a steady diet of the "big 3" (J Sait, Mahule & Mapela). None are the all-round killer striker you'd like to have, but the beauty of this group is that they each have unique strengths and weaknesses. It allows for a variety of attacks, and gives the team the diversity up front needed to compete. Mapela, unforutately, spent most of the past 2 seasons out of form and maybe didn't play as much as the others, but all look to be important contributors moving forward.
Midfield
I was thrilled when I first looked through the scouting reports for the midfield. I love a gritty group that can win balls and close down the opposing attack. I originally viewed Baloyi as the anchor of the crew, but after a couple of good matches his form tanked, and hasn't recoverd. It has meant the midfield transition has occurred more quickly - giving Letebe in particular a chance to get some caps and shine. Strange as it sounds, the team (IMO) does have a bit of a weakness at wing - when I assumed control, Mabizela was considered world class. But age seems to have caught up with him, and he really has a hard time against top competition. Khambule has done a good job wide of late, but again he will really struggle against defenders at the top level. Observers should be watching for that speedy technical whiz with a gifted passing foot who will replace Mabizela out wide.
Defense
I considered the defense to be the strength of the team when I came here, and I still do. Mule is an absolute star, and there is a very capable core around him. Goliath is perhaps getting a little long in the tooth, but he's still top drawer. Youngsters like Malatsi and Rapelego have great potential and will be ready to step in when he eventually falters. Against top competition this group may still make mistakes, but they are good enough that if they all have a strong match on the same day, they can lock down top competition.
Goal
The #1 thing a team needs to compete is a top notch keeper. It won't make the difference every game, but when you've got quality in net, there's always a chance to sneak out one of those matches where you get outshot 10-1. Roberts is that guy, and is still relatively young. It's very encouraging to see young Jaba on the U21 side - some added depth in this key position.
Overall
A team that's got a star keeper, a capable defense, and some difficult to defend offensive weapon has a chance to win anytime it plays. IMO South Africa's got 2/3 of those conditions. For a nation with such a small user base, it's fantastic to maintain such a competitive team. You should all be congratulated! :) Keep pulling and training those young stars!
Great update.
Interesting thought on midfield. Always wondered what are the ideal skills for a winger. Have tended to want them to have lots of pace and also have good skills in playmaking, passing and technique as is the case with all midfielders. Wondering if that is the right combination we would want for NT.
Interesting thought on midfield. Always wondered what are the ideal skills for a winger. Have tended to want them to have lots of pace and also have good skills in playmaking, passing and technique as is the case with all midfielders. Wondering if that is the right combination we would want for NT.
Different managers will have different preferences for wing players. Certainly there needs to be some playmaking.
If I were buying a winger for my club, I'd be looking for formidable PM, and brilliant tech and passing. I personally find brilliant passing to be the threshold where cross become reasonably consistent. Less the brilliant tech means the player will need an extreme positional advantage to break the divine-super divine tacklers the populate the backlines of better teams.
If I were buying a winger for my club, I'd be looking for formidable PM, and brilliant tech and passing. I personally find brilliant passing to be the threshold where cross become reasonably consistent. Less the brilliant tech means the player will need an extreme positional advantage to break the divine-super divine tacklers the populate the backlines of better teams.
So pace rarely figures out. Always wanted wingers to play the way I want them IRL. The fats players of the mould of marc Overmars(remember him) and even Giggs.
@Seca
Great info mate , it will surely help
(edited)
Great info mate , it will surely help
(edited)
Don't underestimate the importance of pace.
As Seca wrote: "speedy technical whiz with a gifted passing foot".
As Seca wrote: "speedy technical whiz with a gifted passing foot".
I have always thought it to be important. So from that statement i take it its pace, technique and passing.
UPDATE : All Mails sent for players skills
Staff will be appointed before Wednesday Night , if you want to hop in feel free to sk mail me
Thank u
Staff will be appointed before Wednesday Night , if you want to hop in feel free to sk mail me
Thank u
Congratulations to MarcL and Witbank on their appointment as our NT coaches!