Bayana Bayana star slams NFF for the poor state of M.K.O. Abiola Stadium
Thembi Kgatlana, a prominent player for Banyana Banyana, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Football Federation after their 1-0 loss at MKO Abiola National Stadium last week.
The Super Falcons secured a narrow 1-0 victory against the South Africans, who are seeking to build on their recent achievements by qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
On Tuesday, the return leg will take place, and South Africa will make every effort to prevent surrendering the initial goal at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria in order to have a chance of success.
Kgatlana asserts that the NFF neglected to adequately prepare the playing field at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, resulting in difficulties for the team in maintaining ball control throughout the first match.
Kgatlana stated to SABC News that the squad was aware of their responsibility to move the ball, but they neglected to mow the grass.That is why I already mentioned that whenever we return home to improved facilities, we anticipate that the playing field will be advantageous to us, just as it is to them.
They do not engage in ball possession as a team; instead, they focus on making runs behind the opposition’s defence, which is precisely their strategy.
The ball is dropped and does not bounce upon landing.
This outcome aligns with their intentions. Additionally, I believe this strategy has proven effective for them.
However, we have an advantage when we return home because we have better playing
facilities.
By Nnaemeka Odenigbo
