Free State Stars coach Luc Eymael is taken aback the number of times he has had to teach a player who once played in Europe in Patrick Phungwayo to cross the ball properly.
“You can’t imagine how many times, until now, I correct Patrick Phungwayo in the matter of crossing. Can you imagine he went to Greece?” Eymael told the media.
“His body is not well placed, his leg which is not touching the ball is not well placed – the small technical details are not there because players are not taught at the academy.
“That is why here, you have players who mature at 24 years,” Eymael continued.
The country has reacted disappointingly to the lack of goals over the past week, and part of it is clubs don’t employ an offensive master plan like in other countries like Belgium.
Eymael believes Belgium’s rise into international football came about after they adopted an offensive ability in all of their academy structures.
“In Belgium, in the academy, a striker plays the first half as a striker and in the second half as a playmaker, so that he learns about the different positions," he added.
“For example, a winger will switch to right back in the second half so he can learn,” the Belgian concluded.
Phungwayo spent a full season with Greek Super League side Panionios Athens, making a total of three appearances across all competitions.
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