As said at the beginning of this adventure, I have been working by priority. I wish to summarize what was done and what it is going to be done - open to your comments and feedacks.
Roster
Of course, first priority was to set a roster and analyze needs. Roster is very close to last season's as it commonly happen in NT (few changes year over year). The bad news are that Wall (34) and most of players (31) are aged, and by two seasons this team will be blown up. Few talents are growing behind them, and we need to enforce this growth.
The good news are about the opportunity to change. Many players could be replaced in 3-4 seasons max with even better players if well trained: the proof comes from my experience in Italy U21, where you could not find room with several players in this NT range. Scouting, probably not well and consistently performed in last several seasons, is a key success factor, to skyrocket allstars and above into NT by few seasons.
Matches
Two losses, despite a solid performance against Misr. We have to do better, we'll do soon (hopefully). First goal is enter second phase of the tournament.
Players
About 100 players, 22 years or more, are in the brand new DB now. All skills of them have been checked before TS reset deadline. Master training plan was defined and shared with my head of scout. Scouts will be assigned at each single player since next couple of days. All players with NT flag plus few of South African managers will be followed directly by me. All managers will be contacted by scouts - please be kind to support their requests
U21 players
Without solid scouting at U21 level, no chance to grow a decent NT. That is why I have decided to include in the DB all U21 players (starting now, it will take some time) and share my scouts with U21 coach. This NT is the result of a continuous cooperation between NT and U21 coaches, and we must replicate that. My contribution is providing support with my staff.
We have a long way to go together. The alternative is seeing SA NT loosing its future. It will probably take this mandate and the next (whichever the coach), I am planning to execute and ask for your support. Let's roll.