Recently I was discussing the potential in AmaZulu’s frontline ,i.e. Lehlohonolo Majoro, Tangeni Shipahu and Ayanda Dlamini
Altough they can do better, they have nevertheless found the back of the net on a regular basis this season. The topic of who was the best striker that I had coached or played with came up.
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The names Les Salton, Bobby Charmers, Vernon Wentzel, Ace Mnikathi, Moran 'Samora' Khulu, Marco Minetti , Shaun Bartlett and Philemon Masinga were some of the strikers that were discussed. All were gifted, all were different.
Les Salton loved the ball to be played into the channels. He would run onto the ball, and stroke the ‘leather-ball’ with power and precision. Bobby Charmers was quick, strong, had the heart of a lion, and loved to thump the ball into the back of the net. Ace Mnikathi was similar to Les Salton but was more aggressive as a player.
'Samora' Khulu was a carbon copy of Bobby Charmers, he was built on the same lines with huge thighs. Samora was very hard to knock off the ball around about the 18 yard area. He loved to belt the ball and he had huge power. Marco Minetti had everything; speed, ability to take on defenders, strong of left and right feet, his only problem was that he was so good looking he should have been a model or a film star.
Shaun Bartlett was a clone of Vernon Wentzel. Both were well balance, would glide into spaces, both had good control and quick feet. They both headed the ball well. Last but not least the tall awkward looking Philemon Masinga, he was a perfect target man and loved to play with his back to the opposition goal. He allowed teammates to play off him.
All these strikers named played with distinction, and all would have played for Bafana Bafana. They were instrumental in their respective clubs winning league or cup competitions at the highest level.
Clive Barker
Corporate Ambassador
AmaZulu FC