Cape Town - Bafana Bafana assistant coach, Thabo Senong, says that South African players must avoid being sucked into the physical battle when playing against more powerful players.
Senong argues that teams with a more physical presence often attempt to drag more technically talented teams into a battle of attrition where there can only emerge one winner.
South African players are knows to struggle when playing in continental competitions, be it at club level or with the national team, but Senong believes that this can be overcome if players are able to imprint their own style on the game.
“We have told our players to identify certain pockets in which to play; South African players are very good when they play closer to each other with quick combination play,” the Bafana assistant and Amajita head coach told Sport24.
“Against Angola players like Jabulani Shongwe, Ayanda Patosi and Thulani Serero, who was playing between the striker and the two centre mids, were able to identify pockets of space which makes them look good because they have the technique and are intelligent players who have an impact in small areas.
“Our players must avoid getting drawn into too much physical contact because we are not physically superior to other African teams, so we must make sure we play between the lines and exploit any pockets of space.”
The South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) has recently been very vocal over the need to adopt a National Playing Philosophy (NPP) and they seem to be signing the same tune as Senong when it comes to the style they believe will suit the country’s players best.