Voice Sport put Amrouche under the microscope
Less than two years into his reign as Zebras Head Coach, the knives are out for Adel Amrouche.
Although his contract runs until August 2022, Amrouche’s critics feel the BFA should sever ties with the 53-year-old Algerian immediately. They would point to Botswana’s dreadful form on the pitch.
His supporters, however, insist Amrouche deserves more time. They would point to Covid-19 and the fact that for the majority of his time in charge, there has been no domestic action in Botswana.
Amid claims of sabotage, huge salaries, and disappointing results, Voice Sport put Amrouche under the microscope.
It seems, as with supporters up and down the country, the sports desk is very much divided…..
Tshepo Kehmile
Amrouche’s stay as Zebras Head Coach was always going to be difficult because he was expected to turn the tables around as the Zebras Head Coach and the mentor has not enjoyed much success of late.
However, one can commend Amrouche for setting the record straight from the onset as he made some few changes around camp.
He dropped the likes of the experienced Joel Mogorosi and Lebogang Ditsile and made Mothusi Cooper to publicly apologise for his bad habits; the lad blossomed in the national team colours as he seemed revived after the incidents.
On the other hand, Amrouche’s recent performance at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, although dismal, was somewhat unlucky because in most of the games they lost narrowly which suggests he has worked hard on his defence before letting in five goals in their final game against Algeria.
One other thing that I noticed is that there was a lack of creativity in front of goal.
Most of the time he preferred not to use the experienced Mogakolodi Ngele in that playmaker role which forced the team to play long balls.
This was wasteful as we do not have bulky forwards to hold on to ball for the incoming midfielders to try a shot at goal.
I think if he could be given an additional year, I believe the boys will start firing and eventually results with come.
Portia Mlilo
Positives of a game of football is results and goals but the question is, do we have what it takes to win?
There are no shortcuts in football. You cannot invest little and expect big.
It starts with proper development and the last time we had a good junior team was during the time of the Dream Team of the late Major Bright.
The same squad qualified for AFCON for the first time in the history of our football.
It is difficult to judge Amrouche’s performance because there has been no action for a year.
We are dangerously ambitious and there are no miracles in football. I think he deserves a second chance and his contract should be extended.
Kabelo Dipholo
It’s very difficult to give a fair assessment on coach Adel Amrouche’s two-year helm as the Zebras Head Coach.
The Algerian had to do with an unfit national squad in the last two games of the AFCON qualifiers.
He also inherited an undisciplined group that had developed a culture of binge drinking and sex escapades.
Since his arrival some of the national team players have been behaving like proper sportsmen, the Algerian tactician has to be commended for this.
Most of our players need a disciplinarian like him, not the usual lot who buy booze for their players.
Having said that, it is also important to note that football is a result orientated sport.
Zebras supporters wants a winning coach and Amrouche’s winning ratio leaves a lot to be desired.
The recent 5-0 loss to Algeria evoked the long forgotten memories of the ‘Whipping boys of Africa’ tag, that we worked so hard to get rid of.
One win, one draw and four losses in six AFCON qualifier matches would be enough to get some people fired.
Add that the team scored only two goals and conceded nine.
In other countries Amrouche would be a gonner. South Africa Football Association fired Molefi Ntseki who only needed a point to qualify for AFCON finals.
Simply put, the man failed to deliver and they let him go.
My other concern is Amrouche always seem to be looking the other way.
He was recently linked with the Kaizer Chiefs job which he did not deny and now he apparently has interest in the Bafana Bafana job.
BFA should thank the man for his efforts and wish him luck in his future endeavours.
George Moore
Adel Amrouche’s tenure started in disastrous fashion with that infamous 1-0 aggregate loss to Malawi which saw the Zebras knocked out of World Cup qualifying at the first round of asking.
Although he was largely blameless in that defeat, having taken over less than a month before the game (the BFA’s wisdom in appointing a Head Coach with such little time to prepare for such a crucial match should seriously be questioned), it could be argued his reign never really recovered.
Since September 2019, in the 10 fixtures Amrouche has overseen, the Zebras managed just one win and three draws.
His biggest failing has been his inability to get the Zebras firing up front.
A return of two goals in 900 minutes (that’s 15 hours!) of football is quit frankly pathetic by any standards.
To put that into context, in the ten games before Amrouche took over, the Zebras managed 12 goals.
Admittedly, apart from the 5-0 thrashing by Algeria, Amrouche’s teams have always been competitive, never losing by more than a single goal.
However, for a man whose reportedly on P250, 000 a month, is that really good enough?
Certainly, Amrouche has gained the players respect, as they all seem to have positive things to say about him, his coaching methods and his man management.
He has ruffled feathers at the BFA and his passion for the job cannot be questioned.
He has also had to work under the most trying of circumstances, with Covid-19 hitting just five months after he assumed the Head Coach role.
Also, it has to be asked, should the BFA decide to part ways with Amrouche, who would they get to replace him?
For P250, 000 a month, you’d certainly hope they find someone!