S. Africa fans get chance to upstage coaches
Source: Agencies |
July 28, 2011, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
FANS who complain they could do a better job than the coach have the chance to prove it in South Africa as a preseason soccer tournament is allowing supporters to pick their team's lineup.
Supporters can vote by text message on which players start for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates? the country's biggest clubs? in Saturday's Carling Black Label Cup.
Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic hasn't welcomed the unique idea, however, and said on Tuesday he shouldn't be blamed if Chiefs lose to their fierce Soweto rival.
"I must be honest, I don't like this format. I don't know if I'm here for PR or the coach. I am definitely not coach for this game," Vermezovic said, adding he would watch the game from high up in the stands.
Fans need to buy a bottle of beer? the brand which is sponsoring the event? and get a code off the label to be able to make team selections.
"Why? (should I be blamed for a loss)," Vermezovic added. "I don't drink beer."
Fans have made some surprising choices so far. South Africa midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala? the scorer of the opening goal at the 2010 World Cup and one of the best players in the league? hasn't yet gained enough votes to make Chiefs' starting 11.
He said he wasn't worried and still had time to make the lineup before the voting closes today.
Vermezovic also complained that fans had picked right back Tlou Molekwane at left back.
South African league champion Pirates? coached by Brazilian Julio Leal? have their own problems, with star midfielder Tlou Segolela so far snubbed by fans and out of the team.
The 'Be the Coach' campaign has former Netherlands football great Ruud Gullit as its face.
"Fans, you know your team better than anyone else but your voice has never been heard," Gullit says in ads. "It's your turn to be the coach."
So far, organizers estimate 5 million fan votes have been placed for the Chiefs team, and 3 million for Pirates, giving both coaches millions of excuses for a defeat.
Supporters can vote by text message on which players start for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates? the country's biggest clubs? in Saturday's Carling Black Label Cup.
Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic hasn't welcomed the unique idea, however, and said on Tuesday he shouldn't be blamed if Chiefs lose to their fierce Soweto rival.
"I must be honest, I don't like this format. I don't know if I'm here for PR or the coach. I am definitely not coach for this game," Vermezovic said, adding he would watch the game from high up in the stands.
Fans need to buy a bottle of beer? the brand which is sponsoring the event? and get a code off the label to be able to make team selections.
"Why? (should I be blamed for a loss)," Vermezovic added. "I don't drink beer."
Fans have made some surprising choices so far. South Africa midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala? the scorer of the opening goal at the 2010 World Cup and one of the best players in the league? hasn't yet gained enough votes to make Chiefs' starting 11.
He said he wasn't worried and still had time to make the lineup before the voting closes today.
Vermezovic also complained that fans had picked right back Tlou Molekwane at left back.
South African league champion Pirates? coached by Brazilian Julio Leal? have their own problems, with star midfielder Tlou Segolela so far snubbed by fans and out of the team.
The 'Be the Coach' campaign has former Netherlands football great Ruud Gullit as its face.
"Fans, you know your team better than anyone else but your voice has never been heard," Gullit says in ads. "It's your turn to be the coach."
So far, organizers estimate 5 million fan votes have been placed for the Chiefs team, and 3 million for Pirates, giving both coaches millions of excuses for a defeat.
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