Posted on May 17, 2012 06:00
Defenders or backs play behind the midfielders and their primary responsibility is to provide support to the team and to prevent the opposition from scoring a goal. They usually remain in the half of the field that contains the goal they are defending.
Taller defenders will move forward to the opposing team's penalty box when their team takes corner kicks or free kicks, where scoring with one's head is a possibility.Many centre-backs have the ability to bring the ball out of defence and begin counter-attacks for their own teams, thanks to tactical (game reading, anticipation, positioning, tackling) and technical (passing, vision on the pitch) capabilities.
This position is the description of AmaZulu’s Defencive full-back or left-back Marc Van Heerden. At only age 24 the Johannesburg born defender has made more than a mark on the hearts of Usuthu fans and the team itself.
From Supersport United academy to Pretoria University and finally swooped by AmaZulu, the hard working defender has gained valuable experience and promises to be the future of South African football. With 16 appearances for Usuthu this season Marc has managed to register 2 goals in his name.
In a total of 1376 minutes played on the field the defender nicknamed “Sdumo” has only received 3 yellow cards and no red card indicating a rigid and disciplined defence record. Despite having a few injuries the 1,73 meters tall star has played full 90 minutes on 14 games all season and used aa a substitute in the two remaining games.
According to Transfermarket.com Marc is worth the value of R 1,857,564.01. Usuthu put their trust in this young talent and it is a matter of time before the National team come calling if he keeps his form up with much room for improvement.