Stellenbosch coach Gavin Hunt has admitted his side may have to go back to the old ways if they want to stop AmaZulu’s in-form striker Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya in Sunday’s Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the experienced coach was asked if Stellies had a special plan for the Zimbabwean forward. Ngwenya has scored 11 goals in 11 games this season and is one of the main reasons AmaZulu are flying.

“As they say about modern football, maybe we should go back to the old ways and man-mark a few people. I can tell you a few stories about man-marking,” Hunt said with a smile.

He was sitting next to defender Given Msimango at the time. Hunt joked that they might need a proper man-marker like in the old days, but he quickly stressed that the real key is awareness and concentration.

“The bottom line is awareness, awareness of the situation. It should be for any striker. Awareness has to come into play. My guy here on my left, I can only tell him, but if he’s not aware, then what can you do?” Hunt explained.

He also shared a quick story from his past. Sometimes teams prepare a man-marker only to find out the dangerous striker is not even playing. “I’ve had incidents where we’ve had man-markers and the team runs out and the guy’s not playing. What happens then?” he said. But Hunt confirmed Ngwenya will play, so Stellies must be ready.

The match takes place at Danie Craven Stadium with kick-off at 18:00. Stellenbosch are at home and want to make their supporters happy after a recent disappointment. AmaZulu, under Arthur Zwane, have been in excellent form and have won several games in a row.

Hunt knows it will not be easy. AmaZulu have kept their best players fit and have been clinical in front of goal. Ngwenya has already scored against Stellenbosch this season, so the Cape side know exactly what they are facing.

While man-marking might sound old-school, Hunt made it clear that modern football still needs the basics. Concentration, awareness and hard work will be just as important as any special plan. Both teams will want to reach the semi-finals, and this quarter-final is set to be a tough tactical battle.

Stellenbosch will look to put things right in front of their own fans, while AmaZulu will try to continue their winning run with their main striker leading the line. The result will show if old-school ideas still work in today’s game.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2119435383175794745?a=Zfk1msbCvJuPA5e8I9E&s=19