Ntsako Makhubela of Orlando Pirates challenges Cole Alexander of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match. Photo: BackpagePix
‘Technically and tactically the PSL is OK, but tempo has to be higher’
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos believes there is a need for at least one key change to the domestic football scene as the PSL resumes.
Ntsako Makhubela of Orlando Pirates challenges Cole Alexander of Kaizer Chiefs during the DStv Premiership 2021/22 match. Photo: BackpagePix
Broos has overseen six matches at the helm of Bafana, recording four victories, one draw and only suffering defeat once, and he has now stated his intention to open greater communication lines with all the coaches and teams in the PSL, which has just restarted.
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Bafana Bafana finished 2021 ranked in a lowly 68th position in the latest FIFA world rankings, with a largely forgettable year inevitably remembered for the controversial 1-0 loss South Africa suffered against Ghana, which stole headlines worldwide.
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In an exclusive interview with Sport24, Broos has now highlighted one glaring shortfall in the local game.
“I think one of the most important things is that the tempo of the games has to be higher than it currently is, as I saw some games where the tempo is very low,” said Broos.
“Technically, the PSL is okay, tactically, it’s okay, but the tempo of the game has to be higher. I hope this is not up to me to change it. I will try to change it in communication with the local coaches.
“Maybe the way of the training has to be changed. When you see the games that happen in Afcon, for example, every game is very intense. There is a lot of improvement needed in South Africa.”
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The Bafana coach will meet with PSL coaches this month
As Broos returns to South Africa after a brief break, plenty of his focus is now tuning towards ensuring South Africa negotiate a successful AFCON qualification campaign next time around.
“The plan is, first, there will be no excuses; we have to qualify for Afcon 2023. No excuses. This will be my responsibility,” Broos stated.
“We are rebuilding a team. We came very close (to advancing to the next round of the World Cup qualifiers).
“One goal killed us (against Ghana). Now, for Afcon 2023, there will be no excuses. I don’t have any excuses anymore.
“We have to focus everything on getting to Afcon next year in June/July, taking place in Cote d’Ivoire. It is also important for the development and experience of the team.”
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