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Sebe, Motihala and Galvin are walking stunned into WC dome in Chile. Gulch and Mazibuko chase top players asking for autographs.

Well, we landed into the World Cup proudly showing our gold cup won last season. Destiny put us in the death land, against #4, 5, 7, 10 and 11 of ranking. We are now 37, highest since ages, likely to drop.

Despite 2-3 new good prospects that might expand SA roster even before end of the season, including a Sebe-II forward, our roster will start unchanged. Against us, players with 4M+ DMI, or PG Hnizdii (21542506) (20-14-18-18-20-13-12-8-6-3-3!!!!), or Cech roster which lowest salary is 123K!!

So, don't expect miracles again, also because such great teams have typically great, experienced coaches (mmmm not true, I led Italy U21 twice!). One single W would be a precious jewel on the African crown. In last two WCs, Misr had only 2 W both against USA!

I wish to take the opportunity to confirm that I will not run to renew my mandate for a fourth time. It's just the confirmation of what I said when I candidated, and it couldn't be different now. I hit the top, and could not do more also as my job is draining a lot of time in this period of my professional life. Our current generation of players will last for one mandate or even two, few good players are adding, but South Africa is going to experience another major refresh that require time, attention, energy, enthusiasm that I cannot provide at least for a while. I renew my availability to support any credible candidate sharing my knowledge and ideas since now, to make transition smoother and give South Africa a chance for the future and to run for another medal next season.

BTW, we stopped a never ending series of victories of Misr in Africa at 55! Yes, 55W streak started in the second match of S19 after opening defeat against Ghana, including 3 consecutive own finals and 11 victories last season. I haven't considered the incredibly stupid WO in SF at end of S19... The 12th was deadly! :-D

Last edited by GM-BlackMouse at 8/3/2014 3:57:24 PM

Poll:  This season...

Thanks for this preview. And above all, good luck! :D

First match against Canada emded with a heavy gap. As usual, I do not comment tactics and choice while tournament is in progress. The only thing to say is that all showed attack far beyond ours...,

-19 against Hong Kong, but another match which we can be proud of for three quarters: -7 at beginning of Q4 before sinking. A lot of difference was due to defences (2 full levels) and circulation, a killer combination against us. Motihala and Sebe are our top scorers, the first still showing to be our best player in the roster. surprise (?): Mosheua out due to bad GS....

world is hostile.

the desperate attempt to spend all energy in one single shot resulted in a large loss. Probably HK would have left has some more chances, but it still was a -19 loss so probably result would have been "just a loss". Unfortunately I had to take the decision after first match, and stats and habits were suggesting me as I decided to do.

there is not much to add.

season is now over, as we are going to face #4 and #5 of world ranking without TS. Two easy matches, to recover TS and not disrupt our rank in friendly matches for an easier scheduling next season (and why not hosting the African Cup?).

My plan is to fully extend the roster and decide on weekly basis also considering GS. About picks, 16 will be the "best possible" on the basis of my current data, while 2 more should come from emerging talents pool as "price" to their managers.

-50...

season is over with expected 0-5. We had almost zero chances to get a single W, that's happened.

I am working now just to give experience to few players and some merchandising. Better the GS, more chances to play. Unfortunately things like moving to my new house are making me connecting erratically in these days, resulting in missing the first round of friendly matches (to arrange a friendly match you have no chance but knocking at others' doors...).

I will work to not miss next ones.

In terms of roster, here the added players:

Seelan Masilela (29093903) (23): marked as SF although being more a good SG with strong internal skills. Well trained so far, despite some tuning, kept in good GS, probably the best prospect on the bench.

Nonceba Legodi (26780709) (25): potentially starter, well trained by an experience manager of NZ I series. Just need adjustments already discussed with his manager. Future star? Possibly

Ndabeexinhle Tembo (30355558) (22): low potential but a good PG at this moment, needing some improvements to be carefully handled vs potential