Former Orlando Pirates star Mark Mayambela has slammed coaches obsessed with playing a defensive low block.
Mayambela believes the ultra-defensive tactic is often employed by coaches who fear losing rather than a desire to win.
His remarks came after the drab Soweto derby played this past weekend. Pirates lost 1-0 to Kaizer Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.
Once again, the two Soweto giants failed to live up to expectations as anticipated by supporters. The match was decided by an own goal from Pirates’ Olisa Ndah as Chiefs walked away with maximum points.
Some coaches in the DStv Premiership adopt the conservative approach to avoid losing, especially when facing high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns.
However, Mayambela stresses that the low-block approach takes a mental toll on players, making them fearful.
“How you become as a player and as a human being depends on how you were groomed,” Mayambela told FARPost.
“Fortunately, when I got to the PSL, we had players with strong character and personality.
“Then we had coaches who were confident and fearless enough to give us a chance. If you check predominantly European football, you will realise that the best players are confident players.
“I think with our coaches in the PSL it’s more about the fear of losing than a desire to win.
“It comes from the coaches playing it safe and wanting to retain their jobs, which is understandable, but it has a negative impact on the players.”
Mark Mayambela joined the Buccaneers in 2010 from Bloemfontein Celtics. He spent three seasons with the club before being shipped to Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Amongst many teams the left-footed midfielder played for are Royal Eagles, Chippa United, SuperSport United, Ajax Cape Town, and Cape Town City. He also had a stint with the Swedish side Djurgårdens.
The retired star is currently serving as Cape Town City youth coach. He was part of the coaching staff that won the Western Cape Engen Knockout Challenge 2022 with the club.
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