Tshosane lost chance to silence critics

Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday July 14, 2010 00:00

It was the first time that the Europeans had won the World Cup despite a rich football history in football.  At home, winger, Phenyo Mongala gave the Zebras their second win in as many matches when he scored the lone goal against Chad last Friday. The result left the national side top of Group K after a perfect start, which includes a win over giants, Tunisia.

Finest athletePatrick Motsepe was outstanding in the Zebras' midfield against Chad last Friday. The BDF XI midfielder covered every blade of grass to snuff out threats posed by the towering Chadians.

Week's disappointmentThe Dutch did not play with fluency during the World Cup but their tenacity in the final went beyond acceptable standards. This forced referee, Howard Webb to dish out nine yellow cards and a red card to Johnny Heitinga for a second bookable offence. Holland has never been known as a dirty side but they disappointed many with their rough tackles, including a Nigel de Jong karate-style high boot thudding into the chest of Xabi Alonso. Instead of gracefully admitting that his side had been horrendous in their tackles, and perhaps in defeat, Dutch coach, Bert van Marwijk lambasted Webb for poor officiating when his players were the biggest offenders.

Talking pointSome Zebras' supporters have been questioning the logic behind criticising the coach, Stanley Tshosane following a drab win against Chad last Friday. While the three points might be decisive in the end, there is no harm in critiquing the way the team played. As singer Joe Crocker said: 'The road is long, there are mountains in our way but we climb a step each day'. It is crucial how the Zebras climb the steps and constructive criticism will come along the way and this should not be misconstrued to be harmful bashing. That the team is winning does not close doors for honest introspection. As a former player and club coach, Tshosane should know that the criticism comes with the territory. In fact, he had a perfect platform against Chad to silence Doubting Thomases, but he let the opportunity to slip.

The statSix (6), the number of points the Zebras has garnered in two 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. No other team in the five-member group has managed a win.

The quote'It is great as it is unexpected,' World Cup Golden Ball winner, Diego Forlan.