South African assistant coach, Pitso Mosimane, has cautioned Botswana over their ever defensive display. Speaking to The Sunday Standard after their 2-1 win over Botswana in Durban on Wednesday, Mosimane said the Zebras have a watertight defence but that does not effectively work for them.
“Botswana is an improved country and South Africa always struggles to beat them. It was only in 1993 when we beat them 2-0, but since then, it is by one goal. Their main problem is their sit-back approach, rarely launching attacks. Just look at today’s game; they were losing with about ten minutes remaining but they decided to stay at the back and defend,” he said.
Mosimane also added that what surprises him is that Botswana looks dangerous when they launch attacks and there should not be any reason to defend. The former Supersport United coach emphasised that South Africa were all over Botswana in the first half and, despite tight defending, they ended up conceding a goal.
“We were all over Botswana and they defended well but we ended up scoring, and in the second half the first chance Botswana got, it was a goal. Even the numerous attacks they launched were scary to us and they should launch more attacks to score more goals. Botswana has good build ups which our professionals struggled to deal with but they end up putting themselves under unnecessary pressure by over defending,” said Mosimane.
He, however, commended Botswana for their display saying they learned something before the all important Africa Cup of Nations tournament that starts today (Sunday). Mosimane said many South Africans thought they would win by an avalanche of goals because they were playing at home but it was not to be. On his part, Rowe pointed a finger at the referee saying most of his decisions were biased. He said Diphetogo Selolwane did not even deserve the marching orders he got after tackling South African captain Aaron Mokoena.
“The only player who deserved the marching orders was Boitumelo Mafoko, but for Selolwane it was unbelievable. After he was sent off, the South Africans came back strongly and scored their winning goal. But, generally, I am happy with my boys’ performance and I hope more good things are coming, “he said.
Despite the loss to South Africa, several local players left a lasting impression in Durban and many South Africans were never short of speaking about how they nearly caused shockwaves.
Goalkeeper Modiri Marumo, Dirang Moloi Joel Mogorosi and Jerome Ramatlhakwane did not show any respect for South Africa at all. Moloi neutralised South Africa’s midfield that was led by skipper and Everton defender Aaron Mokoena together with Orlando Pirates sensation Teko Modise. Even Steven Pienaar, who is also at Everton in the English Premier League, found it difficult to deal with Moloi’s dazzling passes. At one stage, Pienaar had to help himself with Moloi’s jersey following the latter’s skillful passing.
Moments latter, Moloi, once again, showed Pienaar, who once had spells in Holland and Germany, that he too can play in top leagues. Moloi put the ball between Pienaar’s legs before unleashing a defence splitting pass. On about two occasions, South African defender, Nasief Morris, who plays for top Greek club, Panathiakos, had to also help himself to Ramatlhakwane’s shirt. Ramatlhakwane was physically tough for him and his pace was also too much for Morris to handle.
Mogorosi was, in most cases, playing deep but his pace and second to none skills were too much for the South Africans. Marumo, on the other hand, once again, saved the Zebras from the lion’s jaws. He made many brilliant saves much to the frustration of South African strikers and supporters who came in their numbers.
