Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine
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INTELLIGENCE A GAMECHANGER?
DIGITISATION ON
FOOTBALL
The Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine crew recently had the opportunity to interview Head Coach Rulani Mokwena and Senior Analyst Goolam Valodia about the role of AI in enhancing the quality of football not only in South Africa but also globally.
“Societies are moving into an era where everything will soon be technologically driven. The fact that we can now be in different locations and live stream press conferences and be able to grasp every piece of information from afar is already an indication. An example of this is an intelligent software called ‘ChatGPT’ which re-creates the human brain. It is the first linguistic form of AI and I’ve already told all the players to download it.”
He further expressed that, “Even in competitive sports, some of the roles that form part of technical teams won’t be as significant because artificial intelligence will take up human capacity, and AI will be able to provide data and information to the players,” said Coach Mokwena.
Last year, Alexander-Arnold underwent a six-week study led by Dr. Dan Laby, a specialist in Sports and Performance Vision. The study aimed to improve the player's sports performance using a brain sensor developed by Neuro11, a company that specializes in improving players’ set-piece output. During the study, the defender was tested on his vision, speed, decision-making, and ability to transfer his decision-making skills. After the training sessions, there was a notable improvement in all categories he was tested on.
Liverpool FC, the six-time Champions League winners, partnered with Neuro11, utilizing their innovative brain sensors to assist players in maximizing their mental efficiency for improved performance. The collaboration yielded great results, as Liverpool went on to win the 2021/22 Emirates FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. They also finished as runners-up in the UEFA Champions League and Premier League. The Reds expressed gratitude to Neuro11 co-founders, Dr. Niklas Hausler and Patrick Hantschke, for the rapid outcome of their invention.
Back home, Mamelodi Sundowns has implemented AI to analyze their performances and understand each individual player better. The reigning Premier Soccer League giants use GPS vests that track metrics such as speed, distance covered, and movement of players during training and matches to identify specific areas players need to improve on.
Goolam further spoke about AI being used to support scouting efforts especially for youth players, “We have seen how Brentford have been able to employ statistical modeling to analyze player performance, particularly focusing on leagues across Europe where the markets are less inflated but player quality levels may exceed those in the Championship. By leveraging AI, they have been able to evaluate a broader range of players, including those who may have gone unnoticed in traditional scouting methods.”
Furthermore, the Brazilians recently hired Michael Loftman as their set-play coach. His experience in performance data analysis will provide valuable insights into player performance and enable the club to optimize their training and match strategies. Loftman's expertise will complement the existing technological infrastructure of Mamelodi Sundowns, allowing the club to gain a deeper understanding of player data and patterns.
As the world continues to embrace the technologies accompanying the fourth industrial revolution, Mamelodi Sundowns is poised to join other leading football clubs worldwide to leverage these innovations and stay ahead of the curve.
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Final Banyana Banyana Squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup includes Six Sundowns Ladies
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Sundowns Shine: Six Seasons of Securing the League Title
After braving 48 nerve-wracking games, soaked in sweat, spirit and a sublime passion for the beautiful game, Mamelodi Sundowns have gracefully drawn the curtain on their 2022/2023 season. This enthralling roller-coaster of a season was echoed with spectacular triumphs and rigorous trials which provided invaluable ...
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Mamelodi Sundowns – CAF Champions League Journey
Mamelodi Sundowns have qualified for the CAF Champions League 16 times during the club’s illustrious history; finishing as runners-up in 2001 before winning the competition in 2016. Three club legends – Tiyani Mabunda, Hlompho Kekana and Teko Modise – explain what makes this season’s campaign special.
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Uyanda Msomi: Mamelodi Sundowns FIFA ’23 Championship’s Youngest
With the exponential growth of gaming across the globe, there is no doubt that the youth have taken a keen interest into the world of gaming and esports. According to Games Industry Africa (GIA) Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to be the fastest-growing gaming region in the world with South Africa leading the gaming ...
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The Future of African Football is Female
Masandawana Youth Player Lumka Qhekeka Shoots for the Stars The rise of women’s football on the African continent has unearthed many prolific players of the sport across the diaspora. Historically, South Africa did not have a professional women’s football league until the trailblazing inception of the HollywoodBets Super League in 2019. Going further afield, the introduction of ...