This week we analyse the performance and standard of football in the ABC Motsepe league playoffs taking place at Pietermaritzburg.
To be honest I am impressed with the standard of football displayed by most teams in the playoffs especially our very own Mpheni Home Defenders. When the Elim side was playing at home one could see signs of a great ball playing team but it was then not consistent due to the type of football displayed by local clubs and the small size of our soccer fields.
But in the playoffs they played their passing game 100% with class and accuracy because the Harry Gwala Stadium pitch is more open than ours. For me they played much better than most teams in the playoffs. Another team that impressed me was Orbit TVET College.
The North West club played great football. Tactically they were in a class of their own. Not so many clubs are able to keep the ball with purpose and confidence like they did. No wonder they produced a great player in Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng. Gauteng and Eastern Cape representatives Dondol Stars and Amavarara who were deemed favorites to gain promotion were thwarted by the likes of Umsinga United and Upington City.
Although they are generally regarded as good football playing teams however their performance in the playoffs was very disappointing. They did not show the urge to win whatsoever. I suspect they underestimated their opponents and were shocked by their high level of competence.
Northern Cape side Upington City and Kwazulu Natal side Umsinga United played very well. They both never lost a game even though the defensively strong Upington drew their last game.
Upington only conceded one goal and scored four in their two games. Their game against Mpheni will be very competitive. Mpheni is a good attacking team with effective tactics and should be able to break their back four. However their defense in the playoffs is not strong. So far they conceded three goals in two games.
It’s refreshing to see second division teams playing intelligent and skillful football. Usually they play a dull man on man defensive football which is presided by route one attacking tactical style of play.
However, this time they played a more organised zonal marking and tactically brilliant attacking football instead of the usually dull physical and long balls. It’s an open secret that most second division teams don’t like the buildup passing style. They prefer to skip the midfield and kick long balls to strikers. I hope the playoffs have set a new tone for other teams in the country to follow. If that happen there will be more support for second division football in the new season than before.
Hard luck to Mpheni for failing to gain promotion. They did their best and if they can keep the heart of the team they have they will surely be seen in the playoffs again next year.