Latest news with #MatthewBooth
The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Matthew Booth: Sundowns' defence needs to be ready to weather Dortmund and Fluminense storms at Club World Cup
On Saturday, the Brazilians will face-off against German super team Borussia Dortmund, in what is set to be a spicy affair to say the least. While Ulsan provided a good test for Sundowns, the challenge that awaits them this Saturday (21 June) is very different. And former Sundowns defender Matthew Booth knows that his former team will have to be at their very best if they are to get anything out of Saturday's thrilling encounter. Booth says it is imperative that his former club remain solid against the diverse attacking threats of a European powerhouse like Borussia Dortmund and the flair of Fluminense. 'Adaptation springs to mind. That will be key to the defensive back-4 and CDM,' Booth told Showmax. 'Not only from a change in personnel from game to game but also a change in individual approach to each game in a very diverse group. Pre-match analysis of individual opponents will be key in a tournament of this nature as most one-on-one battles will be of the first time.' The physical demands of a compact tournament featuring top-tier opposition are immense, and Booth offers a glimpse into how Sundowns plans to maintain intensity and discipline. 'Sundowns has given an even spread to their full-backs this season. Expect that to continue in this tournament, during the game and from game to game. For example, Mudau and Morena have rotated beautifully. The CBs and CDM on the other hand should remain as consistent as possible. Throughout the Betway Premiership season, the defensive unit have rarely come under sustained pressure, which would've been a disadvantage going into this tournament if it was not for the CAF CL semi and final where the unit was certainly tested.' Drawing from his own extensive experience battling world-class forwards, Booth's advice to the current Sundowns defenders is clear: to make sure they are well prepared and ready to make an immediate impact. When asked what advice he would give to the current Sundowns defenders on handling the individual brilliance and team dynamics of players from teams like Dortmund and Fluminense, Booth said, 'Pre-match analysis of opposition team, group and individual tactics will be vital and in the game your first action often sets the tone and your confidence for the rest of the game.' Communication and cohesion within the defensive unit are, according to Booth, 'everything when coming up against unknown opponents.' 'Good communication is everything when coming up against unknown opponents as in-game adaptations will occur but more important is the telepathic understanding that a unit like Sundowns has after having played together under nearly every different scenario that has been thrown at them in matches and numerous training sessions.' Ultimately, Booth believes a strong defensive showing from Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup could be a game-changer for the global perception of African football. 'Southern African teams have a reputation for flair and likewise the North African teams have a defensive one. This perception will change should Sundowns put in a strong defensive performance. The contrast will come from the full back roles of Mudau, Morena, Modiba and Lunga, as these players offer a perfect balance between defensive capability and contributing to the attack by overloading wide and in the final third.' Sundowns group stage results and fixtures: Ulsan HD 0-1 Mamelodi Sundowns Mamelodi Sundowns v Borussia Dortmund: Saturday, 21 June: 18:00 (SA time) Mamelodi Sundowns v Fluminense: Wednesday, 25 June: 21:00 (SA time)
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Daily Record
British tourist who's visited Canary Islands for 34 years says she's 'embarrassed' to return
Tourist Leanne Daley has been visiting the Canary Islands for 34 years, but said she's never felt less welcome than during this visit with her partner, Matthew Booth A British woman has expressed her disappointment and "embarrassment" over the change in atmosphere in the Canary Islands, a destination she has frequented since her teenage years. Leanne Daley shared her sentiments while enjoying some downtime with her partner, Matthew Booth at Jags Scottish Bar in Tenerife. The 52-year-old Tesco manager, from Pontefract, said: "I've been coming here since I was 18. It's his first time, and I am a bit embarrassed." Daley fondly recalled the warm welcomes she had grown accustomed to, saying: "People here always made me feel so welcome, but not this time. The Canaries were far more welcoming than anywhere else. They are like family, even taking your address down and sending you Christmas cards." However, her recent experience has been marred by a perceived decline in hospitality, particularly in Spanish restaurants. She added "I just feel this time, when we go into a lot of Spanish restaurants, they are a bit more hostile. Yesterday, a waiter threw my meal down on the table, no conversation. They're not as welcoming." Daley's partner, Booth, a 49-year-old industrial gearbox engineer, also weighed in on the matter, noting a disparity in customer service between Tenerife and the UK during his first trip to the island. He said: "I tell you what, I have noticed English bars and Irish bars feel like they want your trade and don't want to give you any customer service. "They're not very interested. In England, they give you a bit more." The couple made their comments during a weekend that saw locals protesting against 'overtourism' in various locations across the Canaries and mainland Spain, reports the Express. Matthew added: "That'll make me not come again, then. That's where money comes from, ain't it? Tourism." Jay, a 49-year-old lorry driver from Ireland who preferred not to give his full name, shared that he received a cautionary message from a friend prior to his trip which said: "Don't look English." Yet, Jay acknowledged the perspective of the islanders, noting: "The locals have a point, as well. They're being swarmed over here. "They're trying to get on with their daily stuff. It's mental here, the way people are flying - there are flights every 10 minutes from all over the shop. I suppose it's locals biting back. "We've got the same sh** going on in Ireland." Last week, we told how there's a growing concern due to a significant drop in hotel bookings. Last year, Tenerife attracted a whopping 6.2 million international visitors, drawn by its consistently warm weather, affordable alcohol, sandy beaches, and renowned water park. However, the influx was met with strong opposition from locals, who claim the surge in demand for holiday rentals is pricing them out of the property market. Additional worries about rowdy tourists damaging the island's national parks and causing traffic congestion have led to widespread protests across Spain, with disgruntled locals demanding that holidaymakers 'go home'.
