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Rae throw-ins impress Bucs legend

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In his detailed post-match analysis on how SuperSport United edged out Highlands Park in the MTN8 final last weekend, Matsatsantsa a Pitori tactician Kaitano Tembo said the key to his side’s counterstrategy on the day lay in how the team was able to deal with their opponents’ “long throw”.

This was in particular reference to Highlands’ defender Ryan Rae, whose trademark long throw-ins have become something of a phenomenon in the premier division.

Tembo said SuperSport had to be disciplined throughout the game, adding: “We nullified their threat, which is a long throw. [Thamsanqa] Gabuza played a huge role there because we put him on [Mothobi] Mvala, who mostly scores with his head from set plays, including the throw-ins.”

Rae told City Press: “It is an honour that teams recognise my throws as a threat.”

The 28-year-old from Midrand said that, although he discovered his talent during his primary school days, he only realised late last year that his technique could be an asset. His throws are so effective that Highlands’ regular scorers – utility player Mvala and striker Peter Shalulile – have converted some of their goals from the powerful throws.

“I have counted five assists from my throws that resulted in goals since our promotion [from the NFD] to the elite league two seasons ago. The more you do it, the better you become. I work in the gym to get stronger because it can strain the back or shoulders,” said Rae.

While some people suspect he gets the grip from his gloves, the stylish player said the accessory was his “extended trademark” on match days.

“There are instances where I could still take a long throw without the gloves,” he said.

Rae’s throwing ability has not only attracted the attention of the wider football community, his technique has also caught the eye of former Orlando Pirates defender Gavin Lane.

Lane (52) is best remembered for his monstrous throw-ins in the 1990s.

“To be able to throw the ball over a long distance is a good asset to have. I’m glad to see a player like the Highlands Park youngster [Rae] possessing the same ability we used to have in the olden days.

Highlands Park defender Ryan Rae’s long throws can be match winners . Picture: BackpagePix

“We also had players such as Harold Ellis at Wits having the same technique,” said Lane, the 1995 CAF Champions League winner with Bucs.

He added that the best throws come in a “flat trajectory” because, “if it’s too high, it’s easy to defend”.

“I used to play water polo growing up and that helped me a little bit because the game is about catching and throwing the ball.

“I remember at Pirates we scored a couple of goals from my throws, where I’d pick Eddie Motale or Mark Fish at the far post.

“Obviously, some pitches were smaller, like in Tembisa, compared with a big field such as the FNB Stadium. But I would still get the ball into the opponents’ goal area.

“My right hand had more power to get the correct distance and the left hand was just to guide the ball to avoid foul throws,” Lane said.

The man nicknamed “Stability Unit” for his no-nonsense defending, shares that he also used to “take endless throw-ins” at training due to the encouragement from his former Pirates coach, Mike Makaab.

“It is better than a corner kick because you are able to direct the ball at a height where your team-mates can attack at either the near or the far post.

“So, yes, to be able to have a player who can throw the ball over the distance is a great weapon to have, and that’s why there are specialists even in the [English] Premier League.”

Former Stoke City defender Rory Delap is best known for this as his rocket throws terrorised Premier League opponents between 2008 and 2012.

Last season, Liverpool hired Thomas Grønnemark, a professional throw-in coach.

The Dane is believed to be the world record holder for the longest throw-in, a staggering distance of 51.33m, in 2010.


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