NFD Focus: Zeca Marques
In this week's edition of Soccer Laduma, Black Leopards' head coach, Zeca Marques, talks to Soccer Laduma's Peter Raath about his recipe for success. He also discusses star players, modern leadership and fans - with the NFD Focus brought to you by BUCO. Since his departure from Moroka Swallows, Zeca has lightened up the NFD with Lidoda Duvha, and shed some light on his side's famous victory over Kaizer Chiefs. "It's a combination of factors. Sometimes people play football for the sake of playing but I brought in some direction, structure and organisation to the team, which is key. We're keeping the ball better, playing more possession football and there's a sense of belief in the players. My success is therefore a reflection of their commitment, discipline, ambition as well as support from the technical team, " Marques said. The former Dube Birds mentor also praised in-form marksman, Roggert Nyundu as well as the young Siphelele Ntshangase who have both been hitting the back of the net week in-and-out. "To be honest, I think Roggert could be the next big thing in our football – a revelation as a South African striker. He has everything required… all the qualities – pace, good movement off the ball and is also good in the air. He shoots exceptionally well." "Ntshangase is a very intelligent player who certainly has the quality, vision and temperament, so he could be a very big playmaker in any team. He also knows how to slow the game down or speed it up. Obviously Ntshangase is still young so he needs to learn as he does get a bit complacent sometimes. That comes because we're playing well and he wants to express himself more, but you can't always do that. You need to be professional. I think he'll have no problem in the PSL, " he added. With the NFD much different to the PSL in terms of stadium attendance, Zeca concluded praising fans as well as how he constructs his sessions. "When we beat Witbank Spurs 2-1, I'd say there were about 3 000 easy, and I know more fans will come as we go along. They watched a tough match. Tackles were flying in but we contained them nicely by winning a lot of aerial balls. We always train early in the morning, starting at 09h00 to avoid the midday heat. Then if there's an afternoon session, it'll be at 15h30." To read Marques' full interview, check out edition 916 of Soccer Laduma, on page 19 with the NFD Focus brought to you by BUCO.
