Cde Mlatha is correct. We can't take anything away from the good performance dished out by Bafana lastnyt. Compared to the kinda soccer we used to display in the past couple of years, yesternight's performance was beyond our expectations, particularly against a world's renowned soccer kings such as Brazil.
I think we have progressed tactically and in terms of discipline. Let us stop being permanent critics, but for once praise Bafana for the magnificent display of soccer lastnyt. I do not necessarily apportion any blame to the coach for keeping the team unchanged until the last minutes. We would not have forgiven him if he had made any change just before Brazil could score. I'm sure we were all gonna blame it on such a substitution. I think all the players demonstrated committed and played to the best of their ability lastnyt, including Mokoena himself, atleast until he conceded that free-kick. I think Mokoena committed an unnecessary foul in a dangerous area, and of course he should have known better that you don't give away free-kicks like those when you play against teams like Brazil. The way we defended that free-kick also was not convincing. I could tell even before the kick was taken that Alves was gonna explore the far right where there were many Brazilian players. Khune also should have known better which side to position himself as a goalkeeper in such situations. I was also not impressed with Teko Modise's performance. I think he didn't give it his best, as compared to Pienaar, Tshabalala, Tshepo Masilela, Siboniso, Booth, etc. Nevertheless, Bafana just played beyond my expectations lastnyt. We are indeed in the right direction towards 2010 preparations. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Mxolisi Mlatha Sent: Friday, June 26, 2009 12:40 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [YCLSA Discussion] Re: bafana ? We need a name change! Comrade Mdu I raised the issue of the name (Bafana) as a side issue and it has no immediate tangible implications for the current discussion. I do feel that it is a matter that we need to pursue because relevance and meaning is important especially if the name is used in the official marketing of the game and team. Otherswise why not just call it SA Team, which is what it is. NOW! I am of the view that Santana has introduced tactical astuteness that matches the Worlds best in the team. As acknowledged by the Brazilian Team on Kickoff online after last nights match. The team has boundless opportunity to improve from where it is. Cde Vilakazi we would all have chosen a different team of 22 players if we were asked to do so, even on the field of play our starting 11 would be different. I was foreisntance silently sceptical in the inclusion of Booth who has been warming the bench at Sundowns how pleasantly did he surprise me! Thus I dont want to make the issue a Mokoena issue, because despite our improvements we still have frailties in a number of departments. Someone may also correctly point out that despite us having the best defensive record in the Confed we are not scoring and that is not a Mokoena issue. We must support the team that the coach has chosen. It seems like despite all the givens on the field of play some of us deems it compulsory for the coach to substitute. Yesterday we contained one of the best midfields in the World, that has been ravaging other teams. We could have brought in Mashego and Mphela (Who both are not known for their defensive capabilities) in earlier by compromising our midfields strenght and therefore our defense capabilities. Thereby giving the field of play to the likes of Kaka on a silver platter.It does also not help to have a defensively poor team that scores two goals and allow in five. Unfortunately these are the difficult choices that a Coach has to make and I agree with the option exercised by Santana. The issue here is a scoring problem and it is not a Santana issue. when last had we had a SA striker scoring 20 goals both locally and abroad. I am of the view that with what he has at his disposal the coach has done a marvellous job. We should acknowledge a job well done and not exagerate our prowse on the World football stage, you just have to look at our soccer exports to understand what I mean. So in my view the coach has done well with what he has, we can see structure, purpose, tactical awareness and a fearless figthing spirit in Bafana. Santana would know by now we are a hard to please nation. But why should we have him if we will not allow him to do his Job the best way he deems appropriate? Mxolisi --- Sent from UnionMail Service [http://mail.union.org.za] Disclaimer:<br><br> This message may contain confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. 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