Itumeleng Khune, former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, voiced his displeasure with Mamelodi Sundowns’ captain, Ronwen Williams, over time-wasting tactics in their Caf Champions League quarterfinal against Esperance on Tuesday evening.
While Sundowns secured a crucial 1-0 victory, Khune felt that Williams’ actions may have sent the wrong message to his teammates, especially with the team leading by just one goal.
Khune’s Concern Over Williams’ Time-Wasting
In the match, Sundowns managed to claim a vital first-leg advantage, with Peter Shalulike’s goal making the difference.
However, Khune was less than pleased with how Williams managed the tempo of the game, particularly when the goalkeeper started to slow things down while Sundowns were ahead.
Khune noted that coach Miguel Cardoso was pushing his players to aim for a second goal, but Williams’ actions seemed to counteract that energy.
Khune explained, “What I like about the coach, I saw in the second half he was pushing his players to say ‘let’s go get the second goal,’ and you see the Bafana Bafana number one (Williams) juggling the ball – now you have two people, the coach and the captain doing the opposite.”
The Message to the Team
Khune was concerned about the message being sent to the rest of the team, saying that if the captain is relaxed, the players might follow suit.
“What message are you sending to the players? That … ‘if our captain is relaxed, let us all relax.’ But they need to be careful of that going forward,” he added.
Khune made it clear that even though Sundowns had a narrow advantage, they shouldn’t become complacent, as it could prove costly in the second leg.
Khune Warns About the Difficult Road Ahead
Looking ahead to the second leg in Tunisia, Khune also pointed out that Sundowns would face even more challenges.
The team will have to deal with the rigors of traveling, different conditions, and potential dietary challenges, which could make the away leg more difficult.
He further added, “It’s the most dangerous result in a football match … it’s not going to be easy when they travel.”
Khune also mentioned the unfortunate lack of support from the PSL, which he feels should be offering more assistance to South African teams competing at the continental level.
Travel and Fatigue Will Play a Big Role
Khune raised concerns about the toll that traveling and tight schedules might take on Sundowns.
He pointed out that Sundowns have been playing frequently, with matches coming up quickly and the added pressure of a long trip to Tunisia.
“They (Sundowns) were playing Friday, they played today, they play next week Tuesday, it’s too much,” he said, stressing that the team’s fatigue could become a major factor.
Khune’s Support for Williams
Despite his criticism of Williams’ time-wasting, Khune has always been a supporter of the goalkeeper.
During last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, Khune praised Williams’ exceptional performances, calling him the best goalkeeper in the league, and perhaps even the best on the continent.