Take Bafana to township stadiums

I have decided to write this letter after noticing the declining state of our football both in the PSL and Bafana Bafana. Our players are not improving: 70% of the time they play the ball backwards and only start to push forward when the team is trailing. The majority of the teams play at a snail’s pace when compared to international football. If Bafana are to grow and become a force in Africa, it’s time Safa makes changes to our football and does things differently. These are my suggestions: 1. The 12th Man: It’s important to start playing some of Bafana games in the townships like Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa and Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville. Considering the economic challenges, the benefits of playing in the township will reduce the cost of transport for the supporters, guarantee a full house and intimidate the opposition. 2. High altitude over coastal venues: It’s important to utilise advantages available to us. We need to play games at high altitude when playing countries from coastal areas, so let’s play countries like Ethiopia in Durban, Cape Town or PE, and play countries like Nigeria, Cape Verde and Seychelles in Gauteng or Polokwane. 60% of selected Bafana players play in Gauteng, so it will make sense to consider township stadiums in Gauteng. Experience has shown that playing countries like Cape Verde and Libya in Durban gave the advantage to opposition teams. 3. Give Bafana more time: Safa and the PSL needs to come together and give Bafana more time – we are going nowhere with limited preparation time. 4. Team selection: It’s time we adopt the South African rugby concept where the head coach is supported by a panel of expert coaches ahead of key games to discuss the type of players required for certain games. To be clear, their job would not be to tell the coach who to select, but advise on the type of personnel required, like we did when we won the 1996 Nations Cup. In closing, to KICK OFF, keep on the good work on your great magazine. I never miss a copy. Sekete Patrick Maphopha, via email