Sport

Banyana seek tech edge for Olympics

29 March 2012

South Africa's national women's football team, Banyana Banyana, is making use of state-of-the-art video analysis as they look to do South Africa proud against the world's top female football-playing nations at the London Olympic Games in July.

"The Amisco programme is used by the Fifa Technical Study Group and by 11 PSL clubs and international brands, such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Hamburg, Inter Milan and many more," Amisco video analyst Wade Benn said in a statement on Wednesday.

Bafana Bafana has also been using the programme over the last few months, with the coaches singing its praises.

Analysis

The programme takes the emotion out of decision-making, and allows the coaches to prepare thoroughly for training and matches, not only through remembering what they previously saw of players, but by analysing video clips and statistical research.

"Each of the four matches played by Banyana Banyana at the recent Cyprus Women's Cup has led to a 31-page report, providing the coaches with in-depth information on elements including the team's strengths and weaknesses, goals scored and conceded, possession retained and lost," Benn explained.

"The coaches will also receive a tournament report summing up strengths and weaknesses, and key tactical and statistical points from the Cyprus Women's Cup."

'A major improvement'

"I can see a major improvement in certain areas of Banyana Banyana's play over the past two months since Amisco was actioned, with the coaches using the information to place focus where on-field matters need to be rectified," Benn said.

"The players' match intelligence is also improving, as they are able to see the decisions they could and should have made, and how to position themselves on the field."

Cape Town-based Benn has been working with Banyana Banyana team since early February. He has also worked with PSL sides Ajax Cape Town, Amazulu and Moroka Swallows.

Further measures

The South African Football Association has also introduced further measures to help Banyana succeed at the Games in London.

The team's support staff now comprises of a technical adviser, an assistant coach, goalkeeper coach, team manager, physical trainer, doctor, physiotherapist, biokinetics specialist, masseur and two kit managers, as well as a media liaison officer, a security manager and a video analyst.

SAinfo reporter



	Banyana Banyana striker Sana Mollo attacks during South Africa's 2-0 win over North Ireland at the Cyprus Women's Cup, 4 March 2012 (Photo: South African Football Association)