Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates striker Katlego Mashego has pointed out where PSL strikers are getting it all wrong in terms of scoring goals.
In the past seasons, strikers have been netting less goals which is a major concern in the DStv Premiership and for SA football in general.
At one time in 2017/18 season, Percy Tau of Mamelodi Sundowns and Polokwane City‘s Rodney Ramagalela finished at par with 11 goals respectively.
In 2021/22 Sundowns’ talisman Peter Shalulile scored the most goals [23] since the 2004/05 season when former Kaizer Chiefs striker Collins Mbesuma scored 25.
KATLEGO MASHEGO ON PSL STRIKERS
Mashego believes that PSL strikers are doing more work on the field of play.
“I think this striker mentality in South Africa is very wrong. It’s very wrong in the sense that strikers want to play, there is no need for you to touch the ball,” Mashego told PitchsidePodcast.
“Our strikers generally want to do a lot of work. They don’t want to be where they are supposed to score. You drop, go to the wing, come back to the box then it’s already too late.
“You must enjoy being there, enjoy being in a position to score goals. Our strikers don’t like that, it’s easier for them to drop because defenders will just say, ‘let him go’. Touch the ball in the back of the net.”
KATLEGO MASHEGO NAMES FERNANDO TORRES AS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW PSL STRIKERS SHOULD PLAY
Mashego made a good reference of former Spain striker Fernando Torres, who was superb in front of goal.
“There was a game at the [2009 FIFA] Confederation Cup where Spain played New Zealand, I think in Rustenburg. Fernando Torres scored a hattrick in the first half. He touched the ball only four times, three were goals and one was just a simple pass.
“I’m not saying they [PSL strikers] are lacking, they just need to understand that as a striker when you are put in the team your job is to score goals. The same thing as a defender you have to defend and as a goalkeeper you have to save,” he added.
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