Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Solomon Mathe has explained what the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa could offer Bafana Bafana after he was called up in the recent squad.
Last week on Thursday, Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, announced his 23-man squad for the upcoming friendly matches against Eswatini and Ivory Coast.
Broos’ charges will face Eswatini on Friday, 13 October 2023, before visiting the 2023 African Cup of Nations host, Ivory Coast, on the 17th of October.
The two matches serve as part of preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers games in November and the AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire next year.
Mthethwa [29], is the only Chiefs player who received the call-up in the preliminary squad and made the cut in the final group.
‘Ox’, as the former Black Leopards midfielder is affectionately known, received his first-ever Bafana call-up in September 2022. He was also part of the SA team that played in the COSAFA tournament in July in Durban.
SOLOMON MATHE WEIGHS IN ON SIBONGISENI MTHETHWA BAFANA BAFANA INCLUSION
“Mthethwa deserves it considering that he’s been one of the consistent and important players in the Stellenbosch squad. I’m happy that he’s been selected, he deserves it,” Mathe told FARPost.
“Hugo Broos has been consistent in terms of calling players, especially the core of the team. He always gives everyone a chance, especially the ones who are doing well in their teams, to see if they can fit into the national team.”
MTHETHWA’S EXPECTED IMPACT AT BAFANA BAFANA
Mathe, who was a holding midfielder during his playing career, has discussed the special qualities that the new Amakhosi deep-lying midfielder could give Bafana Bafana.
“To be honest, we really need a player like Mthethwa, a player who can do the dirty job for us when we are leading and in need to close shops in particular games,” added Mathe.
“He’s strong, he got energy and discipline in that position. We don’t want someone who’ll be all over but the one who will protect the defense, especially when Teboho Mokoena is tired.
“Sometimes when you play to qualify for the AFCON, you need to play to win. It’s not always about beautiful football. You have to play ugly and win. We require that kind of player who grinds hard in the midfield.
“He’s a player like Hlompo Kekana when he was still at his top game. He is a player who is hard and will fight in the midfield. Mthethwa will also help Mokoena, he will reduce the pressure on him and give him a chance to play going forward.”
Story by Clifton Mabasa
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