Former Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates midfield cum striker, Eugene Zwane, chatted to Soccer Laduma about young Menzi Masuku. He spoke about his impression of Masuku, where he believes Masuku needs to improve and what he brings to the team as a player.
On his impression on Masuku
"One of the things that have impressed me about him is his rapid development. From being a player on the sidelines, knocking on the door to play for the first team and making it happen so quickly. There is no doubt that he is a talented player andlike I said, what impresses me is how he has developed into becoming a near complete midfielder. He has been used as a winger at times, he has been as a forward playing as a supporting striker and he never disappointed. One of his key strength is his ability to retain position, his ability to play one two passes. He knocks the ball, gets into space and asks for a return pass and he is very good at that. We have also seen his ability to finish. For instance, the goal that won the 2014/15 PSL absolute goal of the season is just prove that he is able to finish. The goal he also scored against Sfaxien in the confederations cup match was very awesome."
On what Masuku needs to improve
"I've realized that he has the ability to take on players in one-on-one situations but I don't think he has developed sufficient confidence yet to be able to do it consistently. I think consistency is one area that he needs to work on. He needs to work on his ability to run at defenders, take them on and create spaces for his teammates. I think he can still improve on his defensive part of the game. But the good thing for him is that he is working under Eric Tinkler, who was a defensive midfielder during his hey days and a good thing about working with Tinkler will help him in improving his defensive part of the game. We have seen what Eric has done with Thabo Rakhale. When Rakhale was introduced into the Orlando Pirates' first team, he was to focused on his offensive play and we have seen in recent times how good he has become on tracking back to help the defenders."
On whether Masuku is truly the one for the future
"I think if he keeps his feet on the ground, keep on working hard, and performs consistently ten years from now we will say, he ranks amongst the best midfielders ever to be produced by South Africa. In my opinion, he is in the same league with the likes of Thulani Serero, Doctor Khumalo, in terms of natural ability. So the test is going to be his ability to maintain his fitness to perform consistently from game to game and season to season. One other thing is that, now that he is one of the most talked about players from the football fraternity and the media that might develop arrogance. In the past we've seen player who could have achieved so much in football but unfortunately went off the rails because of fame and money. Masuku just have to be humble, keep his feet on the ground and understand that football is his career. If he understands that football is his job and the fact that he is going to be famous because of football must be a bonus. He must not take being famous as the most important thing and that must not count. Yes he must enjoy it while it is there but he must not be arrogant. His attitude towards his teammates, the fans, opponents, and his coaches will play a very important role. Also the friends that he is going to choose. Remember once you hit the limelight everybody wants to be your friend and every girl wants you to date her, and he needs to be very careful. It is very easy to be distracted and such things can distract you."
On what Masuku brings to the party
"He is a multi-dimensional player. As I said, if a midfielder is able to claim the central midfield, create spaces, hit the long ball, is able to shoot and finish from outside the box or finish inside the box, which gives you a lot of dimensions. There are players who play as strikers, and are only able to shoot. We have players who are wingers, and are only able to outpace defenders but Menzi has a little bit of everything. He has a lot of positive attributes and extremely talented. From the talent point of view he possesses skills and attributes that not many players have. That is what makes him such a desirable player to have in the team because you can use him anywhere and he will be able to perform. In football, pressure is always there. Yes, he has set up a standard with his good performances last season and a lot will be expected from him this season. In football, you are good as your last game. As a player you are always going to be measured on your last performance. I think also playing for a team of Orlando Pirates' caliber where thousands of people are expecting that kind of performance is likely to put pressure on the player. I think Masuku is lucky in the sense that he burst into the scene already experiencing that kind of pressure and I think he understands that the pressure will always be there and everybody is looking at him and expecting him to perform. But as I said, he has the talent. The natural ability is there, and the factors that are going to come is, is he looking after his body, is he fit and doing the right things? If he understands that he is expected to perform, I think he will be well advised to give himself an opportunity to deliver."
On whether Masuku should play regularly in the team
"To play regularly in the team will be based on his performance. Obviously the coach will look at things such as, you contribution in the previous game, and what happens in training etc. All those factors are important for any coach to consider. He played in a few games this season, which is an indication that the coach is satisfied with his performance. Maybe, also the coach, Eric Tinkler will not want to put him too much under pressure and there will be times when they will say to him, ok start on the bench and when the time is right we will introduce you. One other thing is that Orlando Pirates have a lot of talented players whom he competes with. I am talking about the likes of Mpho Makola, Oupa Manyisa, to mention only a few and competition will be very stiff for him. However, competition is a good thing because it means that you always have to get better at what you do. I think he understands that a little extra has to come from him as a human being. If he has the mental strength and winning mentality there is no doubt that he will excel. It is really up to him now."
