Africa Cup of Nations: what coaches are saying
JOHANNESBURG – Africa Cup of Nations coaches give their views on Chinese club football, injuries, opponents and the attitude of young players ahead of matchday 2 qualifiers this weekend.
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“Good young (African) footballers do not play in China. The best players want to play for the best clubs in Europe and appear in top competitions like the Champions League.”
(Cameroon coach and former Netherlands star Clarence Seedorf explains why he ignored several 'Indomitable Lions' based in China)
Cameroon boss Clarence Seedorf. Photo: Cabalar/EPA
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“It is a huge problem because he is the captain and one of the best players in the team. I cannot cry. I have to find a solution.”
(Kenya coach Sebastien Migne laments absence of injured Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama for clash with Ghana)
Sebastien Migne, coach of Kenya. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
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“We cannot underrate the Seychelles - they are a team from a little island who work together and it will not be easy playing against them.”
(Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr warns against underestimating opponents ranked 44 places lower in Africa)
Nigeria's head coach Gernot Rohr. Photo: Georgi Licovski/EPA
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“Young players are sometimes more eager to listen to a coach. On tactical discipline, they are more motivated and want to show their ability.”
(Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet justifying selection of Italy-based teenage striker Musa Barrow for match against Algeria)
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Stuart Baxter (right) talks tactics during their training session at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix
“In Africa, we get constant surprises from countries who only five or six years ago would have been whipping boys.”
(South Africa coach Stuart Baxter tells his squad to respect star-less Libya)