WHY THE LIKES OF RONALDINHO DO NOT RISE IN OUR GAME

 Ted Dumitru in his research from the Football Institute says that football at best shows another dimension whenever Ronaldinho , Messi , Christiano Ronaldo , and Kaka displays their inspirational talent .They have great individuality talent that can influence , control and change the game so that success can be achieved . Yes I totally agree with Ted , but I want to also express my mind with Manchester United Wayne Rooney , an outstanding talented player who in my opinion is amongst the best strikers in the World .

These players have such impressive values been so convincing while similarly performed by young representative of creative football. It is evident that reports and stats show that their presence in matches brings renewed exciting performances larger attendances and enthusiastic media interest .The important question asked by some soccer experts what makes these players so dominant in the field of players. Recently Messi and Rooney had the opponents in sixes and sevens.

A - Technical Perfection

The high rate of such players successful executions of the ball skills in match situations is not only the product of a perfected technique which they apply in almost every difficult play situations .With RONALDINHO actions is that the ball skills are continually associated with subtle movements and supported by disguise and variations of pace .The quick footwork , take off's rapid dribbling and turns are forcefully used to surprise and beat the opponents sometimes create panic with defenders .

B - Mental Attributes

We must be able to admire the automated responses the brilliancy of their football brain .There is a number of specific mental processes of maximal efficiency are needed. These fine capacities refer to accurate perception of space, distance, height, angles timing. plus peripheral vision concentration, improvisation emotional control and determination will assist with decision making .Ronaldinho and the rest can be effective and decisive when responding with one-touch pass in a simple situation .

C - Natural Talent or Hard Work 

60% of any high performance is the result of an individual’s innate qualities. It is mainly the talent plus the useful work What is not surprising is that the genetic type of a player who can match the likes of Ronaldinho’s nature can be found in many environments in the football world and most abundantly in AFRICA .There are players who are gifted with rich genetic traits for outstanding performances and yet that talent remains underdeveloped

The analyses of those determinant factors and conditions that can boost natural talent to its full potential reveal the following interest aspects.

• Very early exposure to playing with the ball from age 3-4 years 
• Parental encouragement and support 
• Favourable climate which allows year around outdoor play activities 
• Pertinent influences of a skillful creative football local culture – (watching live matches TV and role models.
• Strong interest for learning the game and self –improvement 
• Considerable time dedicate to small games and individual practices 
• Early development of all basic skills through varied training for technique 
• Game concept that values individual contributions within high standards of collective play 

Our South African set up, by contrast are mentalities and conditions that can obstruct and distort talent fulfillment .There are exceptional cases of YOUNG South African ages 12-14 years and before their natural talent is less affected by obstructive game concepts and irrelevant training, they are the best in the world .As the distorted and mentality training are imposed on them the road to fulfillment closes.

 SOME OF THE FACTORS WHICH HAVE INFLUENCE AND NULLIFY OUR NATURAL POTENTIAL

• Lack of interest and programs for very early talent discovery
• Ignoring the importance of providing plenty opportunities for the very young ones to play with a ball
• Influences which discourages children play initiative ball work exploration , and tactical creativity in the name of play simple , don’t dribble or one two –touch football only
• Talent distorting coaching offered through youth academies which are controlled by foreign interest in Africa.

By Coach Babes Govender (Head Coach)

Durban Africa Sports Club

(ORIGINALLY POSTED 23/2/2012)