Former Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Mngomeni says that some of the criticism of showboating in South African football is misguided, and too easily dismissed by outsiders who don’t get the local culture.
It is not a new subject, whether flamboyant play should be part of the local game, with many dismissing showboating in totality.
- ALSO READ: Pirates & Bafana Legend Takes Up Coaching Role At ABC Motsepe…
- Cardoso On Europeans Being Escorted From Downs
But Mngomeni says there is a place for it in local football, and if used correctly it can enhance players’ decision-making and creativity.
“It is something that if you’re not from here, you won’t get it, and I get that,” Thabo Mngomeni said to iDiski Times in this week’s 184th edition of the e-paper.
The former Bafana Bafana captain doesn’t believe we should be dismissing Kasi Flava. Now the national U17 team assistant coach, Mngomeni was known for skilful play and trying the impossible. He believes that it has its place if used correctly, and feels it’s only those who don’t ‘feel’ our football who are against it.
Interestingly, the Cape Town-born Mngomeni, who just finished his CAF B Licence, says that sometimes while doing international courses, you will find that elements like Kasi Flava are frowned upon but he believes some elements can be integrated with modern tactics.
“It is part of our culture. We don’t stand still on the ball, we do things, and camouflage what our next move is. It is not just about showing off a trick, it is about a player showing his confidence, and challenging a defender to be alert to any possibility.”
To be clear, we’re not talking about all eleven players, this discussion is about those specific players with the ability and personality – and not doing skill moves for 90 minutes. We’re talking about a few moments of expression in a game.
“We are not talking about 90 minutes of tricks and what-what,” Mngomeni commented.
“These are moments in a game only, but some of the criticism shows that some coaches do not grasp all the cultural aspects of our football.
“I think too we need to be a little more patient with the young kids who try these things.
“They need to learn what works and what doesn’t at different levels of football.
“I tell you, it’s also why we had some great defenders in my day because they had to learn how to defend against the unexpected.”
