Former Bafana Bafana legend Andre Arendse has pinpointed set-piece
defending as the key area for improvement following South Africa’s 2-1
Africa Cup of Nations victory over Angola, while offering a balanced take on
goalkeeper Ronwen Williams conceding at his near post.
While pleased with the defensive solidity in open play, Arendse noted that
vulnerabilities from dead-ball situations remain a worry.
“What I like about the team defensively is that in open play, they are very
difficult to break down with that back-four. There’s a lot more strength and
stability,” Arendse told the Siya crew.
“But set-pieces are a bit of a worrying factor. I believe a lot of work will
be done on the training ground. The near-post defending is not good, and
obviously, everyone knows it cost us a goal,” he conceded.
Commenting on the moment Angola scored, Arendse empathized with Williams,
explaining the difficulty of the situation while acknowledging a fundamental
goalkeeping rule.
“Ronwen would be disappointed, I guarantee that—and rightfully so. One of
the first rules is ‘never get beaten at the near post,’” said Arendse. “But
when I look at the goal from different angles, it was very difficult for him
to save that. You’re shifting across centrally for the free-kick, it was
under-hit and across the near post, so you’re scrambling.”
The 1996 AFCON-winning goalkeeper stressed that the responsibility should be
shared, concluding, “From an entire defensive perspective, you’ve got to
look at conceding that goal collectively.”
