Sekhukhune United head coach Brandon Truter has made an honest admission about the club’s right-back Nyiko Mobbie.
He was speaking after their DStv Premiership match against Lamontville Golden Arrows this past weekend.
Mobbie has suffered harsh criticism since he became a regular for Bafana Bafana. He seems to have earned the trust of the national team head coach Hugo Broos who said the defender has never let him down.
Truster has admitted that he also had his doubts about the 28-year-old initially.
However, having worked with him every day, he says he has seen quality in the former Free State Stars man. And he understands why Broos believes in Mobbie.
BRANDON TRUTER MAKES HONEST ADMISSION ABOUT NYIKO MOBBIE
“From outside and never having worked with Nyiko Mobbie before, I had my doubts,” he told journalists.
“But now, working with the boy and being closer to him on a day-to-day basis, I fully understand Hugo Broos’ selection.
“Tactically, he’s very good. He puts his head down, at the same, his tactical understanding [is top].Â
“He follows instructions very well. He’s not afraid, and technically, he can run the line as well.
“Now I know, I will justify his call-up for the national team. I think the boy is number one at the moment.
“His final ball, the crosses he put in today [against Golden Arrows]. You could see it’s high quality.
“His movements and getting back in defence as well, physically conditioned very well. His understanding of the game.
“On and off the field, he’s a good human being.”
Truter says Mobbie doesn’t deserve the treatment he’s been getting. He also feels that he showed that he’s the best in his position in the country when Bafana defeated Liberia last week.
‘THE CRITICISM IS UNDESERVED’
“The criticism [directed at him] is undeserved, Nyiko Mobbie is so humble,” he added.
“He doesn’t speak out of turn. He respects his fellow players and peers as well.
“I’ve seen him interact with the public as well. He did us immensely proud. He started the game for Bafana. We needed the results and the best players and soldiers on the park.
“And he was one of them. I’m immensely proud of him, and I think the criticism is undeserved.”
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