Arrows coach reveals advice that helped Watenga improve

Goalkeeper Ismail Watenga | Photo Credit: Courtesy

FOOTBALL Arrows coach reveals advice that helped Watenga improve

Shafic Kiyaga 17:14 - 31.08.2023

This performance, however, didn't come out of the blue, as revealed by the man behind his incredible transformation - the Arrows' coach Vusimusi Vilakazi.

It was a night to remember for Golden Arrows and their shot-stopper Ismail Watenga, as they brought an end to SuperSport United's undefeated streak in the DStv Premiership on Tuesday.

Watenga's exceptional display was pivotal in Arrows' 3-0 triumph at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

This performance, however, didn't come out of the blue, as revealed by the man behind his incredible transformation - the Arrows' coach Vusimusi Vilakazi.

The story traces back to when the Ugandan goalkeeper made a glaring error against Polokwane, leading to a goal against his team.

This blunder saw his side narrowly win 3-2, but it raised eyebrows about Watenga's confidence in handling aerial balls and Vilakazi was quick to address this.

The coach felt that while Watenga had made some commendable saves, his tendency to misjudge crosses deserved immediate attention and reaction.

"Yes, I was disappointed because one thing I said in the team talk,” the 40-year-old recalled, adding; “I asked him 'are you aware that you are the tallest player on the field of play?',".

"He was confused, and I said 'you are the tallest because you have hands to catch the ball, to extend from the set-pieces'."

"I think this thing of coming out for crosses [and failing to catch] is still a challenge.”

“We will talk, pay attention and speak to the goalkeeper coach to help him in that department," Vilakazi noted.

And it seems Watenga took his coach's words to heart. Tuesday's clash with SuperSport United witnessed him in top form.

From Bradley Grobler's thumping header to Lyle Lakay's crafty low drive, Watenga thwarted every offensive move from the opposition.

His sharp reflexes were again on display when Gamphani Lungu and Pfumbidzai took their turns trying to breach the goalkeeper's citadel, only to be denied by Watenga's brilliance.

His transformation was so profound that by the end of the night, he had faced an impressive 22 shots, keeping a clean sheet in the process.

Watenga's heroics paired with crucial goals from Lungelo Nguse, Angelo Van Rooi, and Ryan Moon, elevated Golden Arrows to the league's second position.

For Watenga, the evening was a testament to the power of introspection and guidance.

It wasn't just about his agility and reflexes but the timely advice from his coach that led to his transformation from a player with potential flaws to a goalkeeper at the top of his game.