Pirates legend makes his picks: Who should start right-back for Bafana at AFCON?

Orlando Pirates legend and former Bafana Bafana defender Edward Motale has shared his thoughts on who should start in the right-back position for the national team at AFCON.

Hugo Broos has constantly preferred Sekhukhune United defender Nyiko Mobbie since his appointment as Bafana Bafana’s head coach in 2021.

But in recent times, reigning DStv Premiership Defender of the Season Khuliso Mudau has made a strong case. He was preferred in the last few games, including the last practice match against Lesotho in Pretoria.

With Bafana’s opening Group E match against Mali on January 16; Tuesday, it would be interesting to see who Broos will opt for.

Motale, who was also a full-back during his playing career, has revealed who deserves to get the nod at right-back.

WHO SHOULD START FOR BAFANA IN RIGHT-BACK POSITION?

“Khuliso has done well for Sundowns at club level. But you know methodologies are not the same, at the club level there are certain methodologies and at the international team is Hugo Broos’s methodology,” said Motale.

“So I am not sure which formation they are going to play or tactics they will use, but I think he [Khuliso Mudau] can do better for the squad.”

ONE AREA THAT CONCERNS EDWARD MOTALE AHEAD OF AFCON

Broos has selected a relatively inexperienced squad in terms of AFCON tournaments. Only Percy Tau, Ronwen Williams and Themba Zwane have played in the biggest continental showpiece before.

“I am also worried in that department because we didn’t even play friendly matches prior to the bigger one [AFCON],” said Motale.

“So it’s also giving me a problem, especially with the newcomers. You have just mentioned the three players that have been there in the previous one, but the rest are newcomers, so it’s a little bit of a problem because this is a big stage. All those big names are there.

“But I just hope and think that somebody has helped them psychologically because to go to such a big tournament, you need mental strength. So if you are not strong, you will have a problem, so I just hope someone within the structure has played that part.”

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