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Is the big stage too much for National First Division scorers?

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hot property Thabiso Kutumela of Baroka FC finished as the top scorer in the NFD PHOTO: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images
hot property Thabiso Kutumela of Baroka FC finished as the top scorer in the NFD PHOTO: Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images

Statistics show that players who finish as National First Division (NFD) top scorers struggle once they get into the Absa Premiership.

Reason Chiloane, Ndumiso Mabena, David Zulu and Phumelele Bhengu were all top scorers in the NFD and were quickly snapped up by Absa Premiership sides.

They all found the going very tough. As a result, they found themselves not getting enough game time. Even when they did get the chance to play, they struggled to reproduce the kinds of performances that put them on top.

They seemed to be overawed by the big stage and found it difficult to adapt to the new environment.

Hareaipha Simba Marumo thinks different factors lead to NFD marksmen failing to make the grade in the top league, saying it mostly has to do with the nature of the new environment.

“Is it conducive for these players to excel? Are they prepared mentally for what is expected of them? Are they aware of what
they are letting themselves in for?” asks Marumo.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars striker says the players need to be mentally prepared and strong for the new environment, which could be demanding.

“They need to adapt and adjust their play quickly because the systems are not the same. Secondly, they need to change how they used to play. Moreover, their new team-mates can make or break them,” said Marumo.

“Players are jealous of one another and they will sabotage you if you are not strong mentally.

“Tactically, they need to be sound and also have that little bit of arrogance towards their new team-mates, who may see them as threats and obviously try to unsettle them. This is where their coaches need to come to their rescue and make them feel at home.

“There is no doubt about their abilities, as they have already shown in the NFD, but the new environment is totally different.”

He says the players need to silence their critics and win them over as soon as possible.

“I was surprised by [Lerato] Chabangu when he came to Sundowns from AmaTuks. He just adapted quickly. He was not overawed by the occasion and was on top of everything. He would take set pieces ahead of those who had been there before.”

He said he had expected a lot from the likes of Jomo Cosmos striker Charlton Mashumba and Bhengu last season, but was disappointed by their returns.

Last season’s top scorer, Thabiso Kutumela – who finished on top of the scoring charts with 18 goals – follows in the footsteps of Mabena and Chiloane, who joined Orlando Pirates after their exploits in the NFD.

Others – Zulu and Bhengu – joined Chippa United and SuperSport United, respectively. But they never rediscovered their scoring boots.

Marumo’s advice to Kutumela is to take it easy and not put himself under unnecessary pressure at Pirates.

“He has already proven himself at Baroka and needs to tweak his game here and there. If he puts himself under pressure, he will end up making mistakes and this will affect him mentally. He must just use the opportunities he gets and his confidence will grow. Football is the same everywhere and he can make it at Pirates if he keeps his feet on the ground.”

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