Andile Mpisane’s Controversial Start Sparks Debate
Andile Mpisane earned his first Premier Soccer League start when he was selected for the lineup in Friday’s clash against AmaZulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Usuthu scored three goals in the first half, securing a 3-0 victory before Mpisane was substituted at halftime.
The 22-year-old made his second PSL appearance of the season but his debut start, prompting fan reactions to his 45 minutes on the pitch.
Andile Mpisane seemed to have impressed his coach with his first half performance.
“We still stuck to the way we played.
“The personnel that we introduced came right because it was the people that have been playing before.
“It was easy for them to adapt to the pace of the game, and we can’t say we got it wrong [in terms of selection],” said Royal AM coach John Maduka as quoted by iDiskiTimes.
“Mpisane, it was his first game to play, to start the game,”
Maduka added. “The game-time is always difficult, and he had some chances to play [previously], and we had to give him a chance to play.”
Mpisane, playing in the number 10 role, was replaced by Sibusiso Magaqa at halftime, as Maduka aimed to stop the one-way traffic and address Mpisane’s occasional ball losses.
Maduka acknowledged Mpisane’s challenging game-time but highlighted positive signs, noting his football intelligence and skillful touches on the ball.
Despite looking overweight, Andile Mpisane did demonstrate his football IQ by playing exquisite passes, including a long shot with the inside of his foot that found his teammates.
While the second half appeared better for Royal AM, and AmaZulu couldn’t increase the scoreline, Maduka defended the team selection, asserting that they did not change their playing style.
He attributed the conceded goals to mistakes and emphasized that the introduced personnel adapted well to the pace of the game.
Royal AM, facing a FIFA ban that restricts player signings, is incorporating young players like Mpisane into the team.
Despite criticisms and fan observations that the team appeared to play with 10 men, Maduka maintained confidence in the selection decisions.
What’s next for Andile Mpisane
All eyes will be on Mpisane if he steps foot on the pitch again in February.
Royal AM is set to face Cape Town Spurs on Valentine’s Day 2024 as the PSL goes on a break for the upcoming AFCON tournament.
Also Read: Royal AM Respond to Rumors of Not Paying Player Salaries