We continue to choose the best writers in Get Published, and give them a little football examination to answer. This week, we chose TebzZA, who has had some really thought-provoking things to say. Today's question is: What does it mean to have mental strength as a player?
"This is a great question... Mental toughness is when your body doesn't want to continue but you mind keeps going," he said.
"It is when they say you cannot do it and you still keep going. It is an internal thing that every individual should access within themselves.
"Playing soccer has to mean more than just a job or a sport. When the going gets tough, we fire a coach because we cannot endure the tough times. We have to get the players to believe in themselves.
"Our soccer culture as supporters is also counter-productive. We cheer when we win and criticise when we lose. Shouldn't we cheer when the team is trailing, to push them?
"I believe that could be the reason Pirates and Bafana Bafana perform better away from home. Pirates have developed that mental strength although they are trailing when compared to other African teams like Al Ahly.
"Ayanda Gcaba is not the most talented player but due to hard work and mental toughness, he is a regular. Andile Jali, Benni McCarthy, Thabo Matlaba, Jerry Sikhosana and Lucas Radebe are some of the players who have showed incredible mental strength."
