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7 th September 2015 Written by: Mattar M’Boge NAMIBIA National Team Analysis Report

Namibia Scouting Report

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Page 1: Namibia Scouting Report

7th September 2015

Written by: Mattar M’Boge

NAMIBIA National Team Analysis Report

Page 2: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 2

Namibia – Senegal Matchday 2 – AFCON Qualifying GROUP K – 05.09.15 Analysis of formation, style, trends, shape, strengths, weaknesses

Team analysed: NAMIBIA

Final Score: 0-2

Starting Lineup Typical Movements

System: Ricardo Mannetti used a

mix of a 1-4-4-1-1 and 1-4-4-2

formation, which featured two

offensive wingers supporting a

striker and playmaker. The team

retreated to a 1-4-5-1 without the

ball.

Squad: Mannetti relies on players who predominantly

play in the PSL in South Africa as well as a mixture of

some experienced home-based players. The team is

built around the captain Ronald KETJIJERE who

provides authority and dominance as a defensive

midfielder with the attacking impetus provided by the

likes of Dean HOTTO, Peter SHALULILE and Benson

SHILONGO when he is available.

Style of Play: Emphasis is on direct play up to

centre-forward, wing-play and quick transition from

defense to attack. They have a very dangerous

forward in SHILONGO who gets the goals and he is

usually supplied by the speedy winger Deon HOTTO

who is another goal threat. At the heart of the team’s

creativity and chances is midfielder Peter SHALULILE

who is able to play on the left, just behind the striker

and as a makeshift forward in this game. There is good

balance in midfield with Wangu GOME and KETJIJERE

comfortable on the ball. The team has plenty of pace

on both wings and they look to exploit the flanks

through quick counter-attacks. Against Senegal, Peter

SHALULILE was deployed as the target man but he

doesn’t have the physical presence and aerial ability of

SHILONGO and so was less effective.

Page 3: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 3

General approach play in possession

Against Senegal, Namibia played a mixture of possession as well as a very direct game,

with the defenders and goalkeeper happy to play the ball long to the lone forward, with

supporting players picking up the second balls. The alternative was to play the ball in the

space in front of the wingers to chase. They found it difficult to keep hold of possession

when they played this so spent the majority of the match trying to build up from the back

and through the thirds, particularly as Senegal retreated behind the ball.

Striker Peter SHALULILE or left winger Deon HOTTO were the main reference points

when they attacked. They have a number of players who are comfortable in possession,

particularly SHALULILE, Wangu GOME and the captain Ronald KETJIJERE. Once they

establish good possession in midfield, they work the ball out wide for the wingers to

provide crosses, particularly HOTTO. HOTTO is also their quickest player but he uses

his speed off the ball rather than in the dribble, so he will knock the ball past his

opponents and chase after it. HOTTO and SHATEMBI will change wings.

When they needed a goal they kept patient with possession but also sent the ball forward

in a much more direct manner. This is much more effective with SHILONGO in the line-

up because of his physical presence. Usually, ISAACKS or SHALULILE work behind the

main striker and both are very good in reading the second balls.

Strengths

Comfortable in possession, can play through the thirds

Able to play patient football even when under pressure

Lively wingers with good touches and speed to get in behind

Areas to exploit

Centre-backs not comfortable on the ball, especially when under

pressure

Ball can get delayed and slow in the middle third of the field

Lack of numbers around target man when playing direct

As shown above, when building from the back, the goalkeeper

VRIES misses out his centre-backs and will prefer to play out to

the full-backs.

Midfield flexibility – KETJIJERE (12) is the player that usually collects the ball from the

defence but the midfield has good rotation which allows them all to get on the ball. They have

good movement and ball control in the middle third of the pitch but the final ball is often lacking

the quality to cut through defences. GOME (10) has the most creativity in the middle but his

lack of physical strength means that he can be outmuscled in the tackle. ISAACKS (7) is able to

drop deep to get the ball and often forms a triangle with the other two midfielders in order to

move the ball to the wide areas (see below). HOTTO (11) and SHITEMBI (6) will stay out wide

and wait for the ball to come to them.

Page 4: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 4

Attacking transitions

The team get forward very quickly when they win the ball and is a key feature of their play. They possess speed on the flanks and at full-back, so these are the players that usually drive

forward and join the attacks. The majority of the attacking transitions went down the left hand side with HOTTO (11) and GEBHARDT (3) breaking quickly, whilst SHALULIE (12) will

hold his position in the middle of the pitch and ISAACKS (7) would try to get to the far post for crosses (see below).

The team will look to play into the wide channels and attack quickly once the ball is regained with the alternative being a direct ball up to target-man to hold up the ball and bring others

into play.

The attacking transitions in the away game against Niger in their previous away game, were much quicker than at home because they were afforded more space to counter-attack.

Their best chance of the game came from a quick counter-attack that found SHALULILE (13) with a shot that hit the woodwork after 30 minutes. The Senegal defenders became much

more cautious after this and held their position.

Strengths

Rapid transition on the counter-attack, especially on the

flanks

Speedy wingers able to beat their markers with pace

Striker movement to attack crosses

Areas to exploit

Full-backs eager to join attack at every opportunity

Wingers are out of the game and full-backs are out of

position if the opposition manages to win the ball back

early – counter the counter-attack

Page 5: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 5

General approach play out of possession

When they don’t have the ball, SHALULILE (13) or ISAACKS (7) will drop and form a five- man midfield with KETJIJERE (12) taking a position just in front of the back four. As a result

they can be difficult to break down, particularly in games away from home. However, HOTTO doesn’t assume his defensive responsibilities very well and can hold back in making

challenges which gives space for the opposition to attack.

After they conceded a goal in the first half they were more urgent in applying pressure and pressing to win the ball back. They tried to get numbers around the ball but they weren’t

able to sustain this pressure in the second half.

KETJIJERE is the main ball winner and he will look to win the ball once the opposition come into his zone, while GOME is not strong in the tackle and this can create opportunities to

exploit.

Strengths

Deep defensive block, difficult to break down

Disciplined defending and positioning with KETJIJERE

(12) marshalling the backline and midfield

Five man midfield that will look to win the ball

Areas to exploit

Space in the wide areas, force wingers to support full-

backs

Space in between centre-backs who aren’t the quickest

KETJIJERE (12) is main ball winner in midfield, others

are not as aggressive as him

Page 6: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 6

Defensive transitions

As soon as the team loses possession, the wide-men and support striker drop back to form a nine man defensive block with the midfield and defence to try and prevent the opposition

from building attacks. However, the wingers are usually the last to join the block as they are slow in tracking back. There are also times when the full-backs are caught very high up,

especially GEBHARDT (3) so it is difficult for them to get back in time but KETJIJERE (12) provides the covering duties when this happens. There are times when the two highest

central players will start a two-man press but will back off if they can’t get the ball back.

When they were looking for a goal when they were 0-2 down, there were five players that stayed high and didn’t track back, leaving KETJIJERE (12) as the sole covering midfielder.

Strengths

Disciplined and hard work ethic to get in position to

defend

Central midfielders work hard to get in position to

crowd midfield and stop opposition from playing

through the middle

Forwards willing to start pressing and apply pressure

Areas to exploit

The wide areas, especially when full-backs are also

caught high up with wingers

Centre-backs exposed in big spaces, especially the gap

between midfield unit and defenders

GOME (10) and SHALULILE (13) not aggressive when

winning the ball back

Page 7: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 7

Attacking and Defending Set-plays

Attacking set-plays

The team didn’t pose a major threat at attacking set-plays as the Senegalese team was physically bigger and better than them. ISAACKS was the main taker of corners and free-kicks on

his right foot although HOTTO is another option.

SHILONGO is the designated penalty taker and his latest effort was sent to the bottom left corner (goalkeeper’s right side).

Defending set-plays

It was clear that Namibia were particularly worried about the set-piece strength of the Senegal team. When defending corners and free-kicks they sent all their men back to defend the

play. This still wasn’t effective however as Senegal scored the opening goal from a well-worked corner that they scored from the second ball after the Namibia defenders followed the

ball and didn’t stay with their men (see below).

The Senegal team were taller and more physically dominant than the players from Namibia and the team had a vulnerability at set-plays so this is a potential area to exploit.

Page 8: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 8

Namibia – Senegal Matchday 2 – AFCON Qualifying GROUP K – 05.09.15 List of playing squad, data and notes

Team analysed: NAMIBIA (system 1-4-4-2 or 1-4-4-1-1)

# Name Role Mins Cards Foot Height (cm) Weight (kg) Club Age

16 VRIES GK 90 R 182 74 Maritzburg Utd (South Africa) 24

Wasn’t forced into making too many saves but is generally an excellent shot-stopper. Didn’t help to nullify the set-piece threat from set plays as he was generally unsure when coming out

for high balls. Happy to receive ball to feet and was instructed to play long to the target man and was generally accurate with his kicks. Experienced player amongst the squad that is

relied on to organise and communicate with the back four. He has also good speed coming out from his line.

2 HAOSEB RB 90 R 173 67 Black Africa (Namibia) 28

Very comfortable on the ball and going forward as he is accurate when he plays the ball forward. He has the energy to support his wingers but both full-backs can get caught too high up to

track back properly although he is more disciplined than GEBHARDT. He is also quick on and off the ball but lacks the strength and heading ability to win for the ball in the air.

4 MWEDIHANGA RCB 90 R 190 75 University of Pretoria FC (South Africa) 29

Looked very nervous on the ball and at times couldn’t get rid of it quick enough. The passes to his right-back were comfortable enough but it was more difficult for him to pick out any

other passes, especially going forward. His lack of agility and athleticism means that he is quite slow in executing his passes but off the ball, he works very hard for the team and is the

more aggressive and physical centre-back. Very strong in the air and set-piece threat because of his height.

18 KATJIUKUA LCB 90 R 185 72 Golden Arrows (South Africa) 27

Not as disciplined or aggressive as MWEDIHANGA but is a strong player in the air because of the height he gets on his jumps. Most natural as a right-back but has gained experience

playing in the centre. Whilst he is more comfortable on the ball than his partner, he still lacks the accuracy to make effective forward passes.

3 GEBHARDT LB 90 L 178 64 Tigers (Namibia) 27

A converted winger who is very good and comfortable on the ball and going forward with good crossing ability. However, defensively he lacks the positional awareness and discipline for a

Page 9: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 9

full-back and can often be caught too far away from his nearest centre-back.

6 SHITEMBI RW 90 R/L 182 68 AmaZulu FC (South Africa) 23

A fairly quick wide-man that is also good on the ball and very diligent in his defensive duties. Covers and supports his full-back well and also is a threat going forward as he can use both

feet so can go outside his man and move inside. High work ethic and forms a solid partnership on the right with HAOSEB.

12 KETJIJERE RCM 90 R/L 182 75 University of Pretoria FC (South Africa) 27

Player that leads by example and is always involved in both attacking and defensive phases. Dynamic, athletic and agile midfielder who is the platform for possession and the reference

when they don’t have the ball, a controller and a destroyer. He rarely joins the attacks and prefers to stay in front of the defense and react to any counter attacks.

10 GOME LCM 72’ R 168 62 Bidvest Wits (South Africa)

The most creative central midfielder who is another who is comfortable and confident in possession. He doesn’t have the stature to dominate physically so prefers to hunt the ball

alongside KETJIJERE. However, he can be deceptively strong because of his low gravity and can be difficult to displace off the ball as a result. Likes to get his foot on the ball and play

positive forward passes which links the possession in midfield with the players in the attacking third. Very direct runner who should have done better with a 1 v 1 chance that he created

for himself with only the goalkeeper to beat. Was taken off in order to cope with physical height and power of Senegalese in midfield.

11 HOTTO LW 90 R/L 181 67 Golden Arrows (South Africa) 23

Extremely quick player, especially on the counter-attack. He is tricky and skilful on the ball but prefers to use his speed by knocking the ball in front of him and chasing him, which is

effective for getting him past his opponents. He is also a goal threat, able to come inside and shoot on his right foot although he can also provide crosses with his left. He doesn’t like

tracking back and making tackles which mean that he can put the team in danger. His partnership with GEBHARDT was very open to attacks in this game.

7 ISAACKS ST 61’ R 176 64 Bloemfontein Celtic (South Africa) 30

Was difficult for him to make an effective contribution going forward because he was asked to drop and make a five-man midfield without the ball. This meant that he spent most of the

match trying to stay in position. With SHALULILE doing most of the pressing, ISAACKS would support and pick his moment to press as well and this was effective in the first half, as the

Senegal defenders were forced to give the ball away easily. Has a creative presence but on this occasion couldn’t play to his full potential due to the defensive responsibilities he was

assigned.

13 SHALULILE ST 90 L 184 82 Tura Magic (Namibia) 22

Not as big a physical presence as regular striker partner SHILONGO but he was very lively and energetic, especially in the first half, when he would press the Senegal centre-backs. Is a

goal threat and was unlucky to hit the woodwork in the 30th minute. Is very confident and comfortable in possession and plays limited touches when he is in the final third. However, the

team were playing direct balls up to him and he didn’t have a chance against the taller and stronger Senegalese centre-backs. When they played to his feet the team were able to hold the

ball more and work the ball wide, with SHALULILE and ISAACKS responsible for getting into the box to get on the end of crosses.

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© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 10

SUBSTITUTES

8 STEPHANUS ST 61’ R 176 66 Black Africa (Namibia) 24

Very dangerous and lively player who was skilful on the ball and created some openings including a shot cleared off the line which and another that tested the opposition goalkeeper, which

will raise questions as to why he didn’t start the match. On his introduction, STEPHANUS played a free role and often found himself in space 1 v 1 with the opposition fullback but

couldn’t quite do enough to get past them. He did make some dangerous crosses and accurate passes in the final third but for good defending he was unlucky not to make much more of

an impact.

17 SOMAEB ST 72’ R 182 75 Free State Stars (South Africa) 22

Came on as another centre-forward but with little time make an impact. He was a better option for balls in the air but wasn’t able to compete with the Senegalese defenders who were

bigger and stronger than him. Should have done better with a cross that he only managed to head wide late on

Key Players vs Senegal

Deon HOTTO – dangerous on the

break, very quick acceleration

and pace on the counter

Ronald KETJIJERE – leader of

the team, reference point both

when in and out of possession

Wangu GOME – diminuitive

playmaker in the middle,

deceptively strong, composed

on the ball, intelligent passer

Page 11: Namibia Scouting Report

© Copyright M A MBOGE (author) September 2015 11

Absentees

The major absence from the team against Senegal was Benson SHILONGO (see left), who is the main goal threat for Namibia. He was injured before the

match so future opponents need to be aware that he is a reference point in the attack as a target man. When he is on the pitch he is the option for the

direct ball and he is strong enough and mobile enough to challenge effectively to win the knockdowns and then get away from his marker for a through

ball.

They also have several players in the squads of PSL sides in South Africa who will only make the squad if they are having game time, as stipulated by the

Head Coach. These players include:- Terdius UISEB, Striker, Orlando Pirates – Rudolf BESTER, Attacking Midfielder, Free State Stars – Larry HORAEB,

Right Back, AmaZulu FC – Theo TSOWASEB, Striker, Orlando Pirates. An important player off the bench at the COSAFA Cup was Itamunua KEIMUINE and

he is lkely to feature in future squads.

Additional Notes

Despite their most recent results, Namibia are the 2015 COSAFA Cup champions having won the

tournament that was held in South Africa in May. Their run to the final included a penalty shoot-out

defeat of Zambia and they beat Mozambique in the final 2-0 thanks to two goals from Deon HOTTO. Their

run to the final included the following results:- 0-0 draw vs Seychelles, 2-0 win vs Mauritius (SHILONGO

2), 4-1 win vs Zimbabwe (KATJIUKUA, HOTTO 2, URIKHOB), 0-0 draw, 5-4 win on penalties vs Zambia, 3-2

win vs Madagascar (SHILONGO 2, SHALULILE). A number of players were awarded individual honours

including Virgil VRIES as Goalkeeper of the Tournament and Wangu GOME as Player of the Tournament.

Both SHILONGO and HOTTO finished the tournament with four goals each. The team were praised for

their fearless attacking play and the Namibia Football Association have been voted the 2015 CAF

Association of the Year following the rebuilding and support of the team.

Head Coach MANNETTI resigned surprisingly after winning this tournament but returned to the fold to

kick-start the qualification campaign for AFCON 2017.

Critics used to label the team ‘South Africa B’ or the ‘poor man’s Bafana Bafana’ but there has been a

shift in change in football in the country and it is currently enjoying a revival despite two opening defeats

in Group K of AFCON qualifying (0-1 vs Niger, away and 0-2 vs Senegal, home).

THE END