Kodisang and Leshabela key to Amajita’s hopes
IN a Group where all four teams still have everything to play for, South Africa’s national Under-20 coach Thabo Senong will do well to unleash his overseas-based players on his next opposition.
Amajita take on Burundi in their final Group A match tomorrow needing to win if they are to progress to the semi-finals of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Niger and thus book a spot at the U20 World Cup.
Following two draws, 1-1 against the host nation and 0-0 against Nigeria, the South Africans find themselves in third place behind the teams they’ve already faced with Burundi bringing up the rear.
Senong will hope his team bring along their scoring boots and he would do no worse than to entrust Kobamelo Kodisang and Khanya Leshabela, who play in Portugal and England respectively, with the attacking duties upfront. The two offer Amjita attacking options upfront as they are quick and have an appetite for goal.
Their presence will allow for ball players Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Siphesihle Mkhize and Promise Mkhuma to be fully operational in the engine room.
SA’s biggest concern has been the lack of a target man upfront as Thabiso Monyane is yet find form at the tournament, having scored a couple of goals in the qualifiers.
Against the hosts, Amajita rarely came to the party as they couldn’t match Niger’s aerial presence and technical acumen.
However, they produced an improved performance against seven-time champions Nigeria as they created spaces in the final third. Even then, it took some heroic goalkeeping from captain Khulekani Khubeka to ensure that Amajita kept their aspirations of making their second successive World Cup alive
Defensively, Amajita are sound, especially with Kubheka’s reliability and leadership in goals.
Furthermore, left-back Sibusiso Mabiliso – a regular at AmaZulu – brings a wealth of experience and guidance to his defensive compatriots Givemore Khupe, Njabulo Blom and Keenan Abrahams.
Sharpening his attack will be key if Senong is to lead SA to another World Cup. And in Kodisang and Leshabela he has the players who can help Amajita book that coveted semi-final spot. QUINN ROUX was not included in Ireland’s Six Nations squad when coach Joe Schmidt announced his initial 38-man selection last month, but the Connacht lock is now set to assume a pivotal role in their must-win encounter with Scotland on Saturday.
Called into group after injuries to Iain Henderson and Tadhg Beirne, Roux has moved further up the pecking order after Devin Toner was ruled out with an ankle injury in their opening round defeat by England in Dublin. Connacht’s Ultan Dillane is also part of the Irish squad, but Roux remains the favourite to make his first Six Nations start after a third championship appearance off the bench against England.
“Quinn has really stepped up in terms of calling the lineouts, leading the team and on the field, he’s slotting in when he’s had to pretty well,” Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek said.
“Quinn did really well at the weekend, he came on and put a couple of big hits in. He’s been leading the lineout in Connacht this year, he’s really progressed there and matured as a player.” | The ICC should modify its policy for slow over rates, Cricket West Indies president Dave Cameron said on Tuesday.
Speaking in the wake of the suspension of captain Jason Holder from the third Test against England starting in St Lucia on Saturday, Cameron questioned whether the player’s absence was good for cricket. Holder is the No 1 ranked all-rounder in the world.
West Indies won the second Test by 10 wickets in less than three days, for an unassailable 2-0 series lead, but Holder’s subsequent suspension dampened the celebratory mood.
“We will, of course, abide by the ICC ruling, but we have to wonder if such punitive action at a pivotal stage of the series is good for cricket,” Cameron said in a statement.
“What a shame if the series is remembered not for the sparkling play of the reinvigorated West Indies players, but for a crippling decision made by a rule that ought to be modified.”
Cameron did not specify exactly what modification he favoured, and he is not arguing the letter of the law. |