Leopards’ defence a worry
LEAVING three players at the back while the rest of the team presses forward in search for goals might prove very costly for Black Leopards when they host Stellenbosch FC in their PSL Promotion Play-off fixture today at Thohoyandou Stadium (Kick-off 2.30pm).
And that’s because the Cape-based outfit is very good when it comes to sitting back while waiting to catch their opponents on a counter in their matches.
They did that twice against Leopards, beating them (3-2 and 2-1) in both rounds of their NFD title race.
Kaizer Chiefs legend Absalom ‘Scara’ Thindwa, who’s now an NFD football analyst, warned that such a style of play might prove to be detrimental for Leopards.
“Most people say Stellenbosch should have lost in their first play-off match against Baroka FC,” Thindwa said. “Stellenbosch didn’t play their best football on the day. However, they managed to bounce back, not once, but twice in that 2-2 draw. That goes to show the type of character and fighting spirit they have as a team.
“Stellenbosch are very solid at the back, always opting to play defensively deep while waiting to catch their opponents on a counter. That strategy worked wonders for them all season long. Should Leopards fail to protect their rearguard like they normally do, I see them being punished.”
Thindwa, though, also added that the creative firepower Leopards have while pressing forward might prove to be very difficult to deal with for Stellenbosch. After all, it is this aggressive style of play which saw them finish second on the NFD league standings with 50 points.
“About seven players join in up front when Leopards press forward for an attack,” Thindwa said. “Even their right-back, Marks Monyai, joins in. It’s a strategy which has worked for them. Siphelele Ntshangase is the creative brains which makes them tick upfront. But, I would rather suggest that they keep at least four players at the back this time around. Stellenbosch beat them twice with them playing with the same system. And I’m quite certain that they don’t want to suffer that outcome again, especially in the promotion play-offs.”