S/African Reporter on the win over SE.....
Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2017 1:30 am
HOW BAFANA BAFANA REIGNED SUPREME IN NIGERIA
http://africanfootball.com/news/713686/ ... in-Nigeria
by Phumzile Ngcatshe
Monday Jun 12, 2017. 11:30
On Saturday 10 June, the continent witnessed one of the most attractive games of football between Nigeria and South Africa in Uyo.
The 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier was dubbed a walkover for the Super Eagles, considering their dominance and the South Africans' off-field troubles, but the 1996 African champions claimed a 2-0 win.
It took the South African Football Association more than four months to find a suitable national team coach since the axing of Shakes Mashaba in December 2016.
However, by the time they announced the appointment of Stuart Baxter as coach in May, Gernot Rohr was way ahead with his plans and preparations for this massive encounter.
Following Bafana Bafana's first ever victory over the Super Eagles in a competitive match, I'd like to look at some of the factors which helped the South Africans to clip the wings of the so-called 'Mighty Super Eagles'.
BAXTER'S ASTUTE PLANNING
Baxter knew time was not on his side and decided to use a simple approach to upset the Nigerians in their backyard. Remember, the English manager only had a week to prepare his team, but his experience came to the fore.
He decided not to overload the players with too much information and I think that worked. Secondly, his choice of players showed that he is not scared to play the game as he opted for more ball players in his midfield.
In the past few years, he is the man who introduced the term 'quick transition' as he implemented the ideology at Kaizer Chiefs where he bagged two Absa Premiership titles, MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup.
In my opinion, Baxter knew the Nigerians were very slow and the quick transition came into practice when Keagan Dolly quickly released Percy Tau through to score the second goal.
That beautiful pass from Dolly's left foot to Tau's left foot made all the difference and as they say, the rest is history - that was a quick counter attack/transition.
On the other hand, the Briton managed to restore calm, confidence and optimism in his team because he was very composed on the sidelines.
Credit goes to Baxter and his technical team for their well orchestrated plan to topple the Nigerians and rewrite history books.
THE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FACTOR
Many saw the rebirth of South African football following Sundowns' 2016 CAF Champions League exploits, and this had a positive spin on Saturday's match.
The fact that Pitso Mosimane led his men to the biggest competition in continental club football meant that would rub off to the national side - it was there on Saturday.
I am not saying this because I am trying to bring divisions in the camp or among the football loving fans, but to state my opinions.
Anyone is welcome to disagree with me, but Bongani Zungu, Tau, Dolly, Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Tebogo Langerman and Tiyani Mabunda are currently, or were previously, at Sundowns.
Yes, some of them are currently not playing for the Brazilians as I write this piece, but the camaraderie they formed at Sundowns has helped the national team on Saturday.
This comes back to serve as a reminder that when a local team wins a major trophy, the national team benefits.
We will remember what happened with Orlando Pirates in 1995, and Clive 'The Dog' Barker went on to lift the AFCON trophy a year later.
Furthermore, Mosimane's voice is still reverberating in my ears as he always shouted 'Aluta Continua, vitoria e certa' last year.
He knew they will eventually win the CAF Champions League and that statement rubbed off to Bafana – the victory was certain against Nigeria.
THE CAMARADERIE IN THE TEAM
Baxter knew that players are fresh from their clubs, some have lost the league title, some are set to play in the Nedbank Cup (SuperSport United v Pirates), and some are celebrating their glory in the league with Bidvest Wits.
However, he managed to ensure all the players are focusing on the task at hand, to ensure they beat Nigeria and we all saw - they fought for each other.
There was a time when Erick Mathoho was beaten in the box, but his skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo would come in to help and clean the danger.
When Mphahlele was beaten, Mathoho came and helped his mate and that happened in the middle of the park between Dean Furman and Zungu, as well as Zwane.
Again, credit goes to Baxter and the players for their never-say-die attitude in restoring the national pride against an arrogant team.
NIGERIA WERE TOO ARROGANT
The fact that they have players from Manchester City, Arsenal and Leicester City meant Nigeria automatically thought they would win the game.
However, the South African defence did well to neutralise the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi.
I was disappointed to see Iheanacho displaying poor sportsmanship when he was substituted, Zungu tried to congratulate him, yet he pushed his hand away – that was disappointing.
Looking at their back four, they were slow and too vulnerable to cope with Tokelo Rantie's pace upfront.
We all know Rantie likes to score against them and Rohr's error was to allow the Chippa United (SA-based) goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to man the posts.
We all know Akpeyi at the Chilli Boys, he is erratic and easy to beat and I knew the moment I saw his name on the team sheet, this was the day to beat Nigeria.
On the other hand, I don't recall Itumeleng Khune producing a fine save as the hosts fired blanks, save the ball which was cleared on the line by Furman – only one threatening attempt.
Before I leave, I noted Amaju Pinnick's (Nigerian Football Association's boss) facial expression and I will not be surprised if he is already looking for a new coach.
With this performance, I do not see Cape Verde coming to South Africa for their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier to win in August this year.
I am hopeful that Baxter, aka 'Mr Chuck Norris', will keep his charges grounded and continue to make the nation proud.
I see a Bafana Bafana writing a new chapter and that unity in the team will definitely leave many opponents as victims...