Daine Klate’s ability to get his head up and put in an early cross is a unique quality amongst many PSL wingers, who tend to hold on to it for longer with a dribble before finding a delivery.
His form for Orlando Pirates has been industrious and productive, Klate must count himself very unlucky not to be part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the Afcon!
In this adidas F50 feature, we find out exactly how the F50 gives Klate an edge.
“The new F50, there is a pattern in the front of the boot. When I cross, it gives me a little more swerve on the ball. The three striped ridges in the front, it has got the old adidas Predator edge. It helps me with the delivery a lot! Whenever I hit the ball, it never really feels as if it hit my foot. It’s a good feeling! That front piece with which you curve the ball, you don’t feel it as much as with other boots. It’s slightly heavier than the previous F50, that one was all about lightness to enhance your speed. This one has taken the shape of the Predator. In fact, it’s the Predator taking the shape of the F50.
“A lot of defenders get back on the transition quickly. If you can get the ball into areas quicker than normal, then it’s easier to score. No defender likes to face his own goal, if you get a ball in behind the defence and they have to face their own goal – they don’t like that! A lot of teams like to play in front of the defenders, the defenders enjoy that. Sometimes picking out a man isn’t always on, so you look to hit a dangerous area. In open play when it’s all in motion, it’s about getting it in early to the right area of the box for the strikers to attack.
