Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has waxed lyrical about Bathusi Aubaas, likening him to a Real Madrid midfielder and three Premier League stars.
The Brazilians completed the signing of the 28-year-old in August after he had a magnificent 2022/23 campaign with his previous side TS Galaxy.
Aubaas also produced a sparkling showing in his debut for Bafana Bafana in June against Morocco. He seems to have earned Hugo Broos’ trust as he was also part of the squad that played international friendlies against Namibia and DR Congo last week.
The former Free State Stars man was handed his first start when Masandawana thumped Bumamuru FC 4-0 on Friday. He has also featured five times in all domestic appearances, coming on from the bench in all of them.
Mokwena says Aubaas has the same qualities as Jude Bellingham [Real Madrid], Declan Rice [Arsenal], Mateo Kovacic [Manchester City], and Thomas Partey [Arsenal].
However, he feels the player is yet to do what he is capable of and he has room for improvement.
RULANI MOKWENA SAYS BATHUSI AUBAAS IS NOT AWARE OF THE QUALITIES HE HAS
“Aubaas is a player that has incredible qualities and I think, qualities that have not even tapped into, qualities like driving with the ball,” he said.
“You look at him in the modern game now in the midfield the prototype of midfielders, like Jude Bellingham, I was watching Real Madrid last night. His role that he plays for Real Madrid.
“You watch Arsenal and you watch the role that Declan Rice plays for Arsenal. The versatility and the aggression on the ball of a player like Thomas Partey for example.
“A [Mateo] Kovacic [of Manchester City] and his abilities to run and drive in the midfield and I think Aubaas has got these qualities. But it’s qualities that he’s not even aware that he’s got.
“So, there’s still quite so many things that we’re trying to teach and to improve and to help. You have to be patient with players.”
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