SIHLANGU TOO DEFENSIVE – ‘COOL CAT’

MBABANE – Ahead of tomorrow’s return match against Cape Verde, SuperSport’s football commentator William ‘Cool Cat’ Shongwe has observed that Sihlangu lack sharpness.

Sihlangu will welcome the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde in round four of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers at Mbombela Stadium in South Africa at 3pm. The two sides fired blanks in the first match this past Friday in Cape Verde. Shongwe described Sihlangu’s tactician Dominic Kunene as a defensive coach.  “They fought like warriors. Yes, it was an away game and I think the defensive approach was understandable. They were playing against a quality side, most of the opponents players are based overseas. They’re technically and tactically superior; they’re quick, skilful and can subtract players in front of them easily,” said Shongwe. The former Eswatini international and Manzini Wanderers legend was in the country for a team-building event for Wanderers players, which was held at Sibebe Resort on Saturday. In his heydays, the legend played for South Africa’s giants, who included Kaizer Chiefs.

worry

“My only worry is that the coach needs to change his style of play. Now that we’re playing at home, can he change slightly. The opponents know the exercise of playing away and they will be cautious.  I think that will be the opportunity for our coach to play a little bit offensive, which must thrive on individual brilliance of the players,” further noted the legend.  

defensive

He was of the view that defensive play could yield good results with smart transition between his defenders and wingers. However, he was also anxious of seeing Sihlangu relying on prolific striker Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa upfront, who he said was overpowered by the opponents’ defence. “When he got the ball, the support was a bit afar from him, and by the time he tried to forge some moves, he was already crowded and dispossessed. Going away, you need the more defensive and strong players who will compete and mark, but if you want to play a home game, you need players who have individual brilliance,” ‘Cool Cat’ stated. He vouched for names such as Cape Town All Stars Justice Figuareido as well as Mbabane Swallows’ Felix Badenhorst as some of the names that could boost the national team’s offensive play.

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