Rowe Must Go

| Monday October 22, 2007 00:00

Honestly, this man has done more harm than good to the Zebras, ever since he took over the reigns from Veselin Jelusic. If what I have observed ever since he took over is anything to go by, then anyone can assume the Zebras coaching position. The coach has no game winning plans at all. We have managed a few unconvincing wins under his tutelage, and most of these wins are a result of some natural talent of some of our players, notably Modiri Marumo's brilliance in the goalposts. 

When the team was under Jelusic we criticised him for the defensive approach to the game- little did we know that his successor Rowe is an expert in this. He is so defensive that even in a must win game he keeps everyone at the back and hopes for a miracle to happen upfront. Against Egypt over the weekend, he employed the most defensive tactics I have ever experienced. Everyone was so at the back that even when we counter-attacked, the nearest man to the guy in possession (Dipsy to be precise) was always somewhere near the centre line- not even making a run towards goal. Dipsy was alone and lacked support upfront- he nevertheless made me smile. According to Popae TV (Btv) commentator, the plan was to catch them (Egypt) on the break. However, with everyone instructed to never cross the centre line we were bound 'go tlhola re defenda maitseboa otlhe'. 

Zebras are a disgrace nowadays because Rowe has dismantled the solid foundation Jelusic made. All the departments are not operational, except our defence who I would like to congratulate for standing firm against all odds. With your almost non-existent midfield, you have overloaded Marumo and his fellow defenders with work. Why? Marumo has to make save after save because the Zebras defend too deep with no purpose going forward. Against Egypt, the expectation was that Malepa was going to help Dipsy upfront in the absence of the injured Jomo Moatlhaping- only to realise he was converted  into a defender. Why did you start with the wasteful Barnes Radipotsane instead of Dirang Moloi? I am not implying that Radipotsane is not a good player but I am looking at the importance of that game for the country as a do or die encounter. With the middle of the park dismantled and off-guard all the time there was no way the Zebras could have penetrated the tall strong Pharaohs whose game plan was to frustrate the Zebras scoring opportunities. The wings were also not working yet we have capable players in the junior side, who put smiles across on our faces every week. Can we please have deserving Under 23s promoted into the team, not to the bench? I would like to see the bigger portion of the team made of Under 23 players in the Zebras' next assignments as we prepare for FIFA World Cup showdown in South Africa (2010).   

It appears to me that the coach has no plan A at all nor has he got any plan B. Oh, I forgot he has got such plans and they are working very well for our opposing teams. Plan A is to soak up pressure from the opponents up to the final whistle with no intentions of scoring a goal of our own. His plan B comes into play when a goal is conceded; start attacking with the hope of getting an equalising goal after which the coach would return to this master plan- for Marumo will rescue us (if spot kicks become necessary). These two plans were evident in the game against Bashianyana (makeshift Bafana Bafana) and Egypt. Why is it that substitutions are made only after the opposition have made theirs?

Don't we want to win or score first for that matter? Against South Africa substitutions came after they did theirs and the same happened in the Egypt game. Do we play against other coaches to copy what they do? If yes, I am sorry to say, we are failing to do it and I would encourage the coach and his technical team to make plans for their own team.
  
D.W. Keabilwe
Monash University
South Africa.