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Cape Town - Shakes Mashaba is encouraged by the speed of play and believes that his training methods are working wonders for Bafana Bafana.
As it happened: Bafana Bafana v Nigeria
At times during the clash against Nigeria, Bafana Bafana displayed a series of world class touches with the likess of Oupa Manyisa, Dean Furman, Andile Jali and Sibusiso Vilakazi all looking comfortable on the ball when surrounded by opposition players.
The 64-year-old advised other coaches to focus on small sided games in training as it allows players to better understand each other while producing a faster, more exciting brand of soccer.
“I wouldn’t want to call it identity because when you talk identity you talking serious matters,” warned Mashaba.
“I would advise for coming up with this kind of football. Most of the coaches must embark on small sided games – because playing 11 against 11 it doesn’t help you.”
Questioned about the side's opening 2015 AFCON qualifiers, Mashaba feels that there is one area that Bafana Bafana were the side excels and that is the speed of play.
“I mean you can see - two games, what worked for us is the pace,” said Mashaba
“It worked for us and it worked wonders.”
“Get the ball out of our danger zone, get in to the opposition half, and employ your skills. On one-on-one South Africans are good, you can’t stop them.”
Read Here: Don't expect major changes - Shakes
Mashaba's charges next face Congo, a side with two wins so far in their AFCON qualifying campaign, away from home October 11 and return to South Africa for the home leg on October 15.
Bafana Bafana are in second position in Group A, just two points behind Congo but more importantly three points ahead of the Super Eagles.
