Bafana Bafana star Veli Mothwa and Thabang Monare have reached a rare consensus, hailing the same teammate as the team’s standout performer.
South Africa are on the cusp of history when they take on Cape Verde in a potentially explosive quarterfinal encounter at AFCON 2023.
They could book a semi-final place for the first time in 24 years if they beat the Blue Sharks. The match is pencilled in for the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro at 10PM [RSA time].
Ahead of the encounter, AmaZulu FC goalkeeper Veli Mothwa has picked his standout player and Monare sings the same player praise.
Bafana reached the quarterfinal stage after emphatically beating Namibia in the second Group E game, and a draw against Tunisia secured passage to the Last 16.
Their only defeat so far came in the group stages of the competition – a 2-0 loss to Mali. In the Round of 16, Bafana brushed aside World Cup semi-finalists Morocco 2-0.
WHO’S THE PLAYER MOTHWA CROWNS AS A STANDOUT BAFANA PERFORMER?
Mothwa and Monare were effusive in their praise for midfielder Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole, who plies his trade in Portugal.
Mothwa, known for his vocal leadership, compared Sithole to a silent but crucial anchor.
“[It has to be] Sphephelo Sithole, our anchor. When you look at him, he’s a quiet person, but when he’s on the field, he transforms,” Mothwa tells FARPost.
“He’s not aggressive off the field. But when he’s on the field of play, he’s so aggressive. I love his hard work.”
Bafana’s second-choice goalkeeper added that the 23-year-old “brings a genuine rawness and passion to his position”.
“The spine of this team is strong because of him. He’s the quiet leader who holds things together.”
Just like an anchor keeps a ship steady, Mothwa believes the Liga Portugal 2 club Tondela midfielder is essential for holding the team together.
“He needs to be seen because most of the people don’t see him,” added Mothwa. “It’s because he’s an anchor. The ship is so big, and the anchor is so small. That anchor can hold the ship still not to move a lot. He helps us a lot. Sphephelo takes that one for me.”
WHAT THABANG MONARE SAID ABOUT SIPHEPHELO ‘YAYA’ SITHOLE
Both players were impressed by Sithole’s physical attributes and mentality. Monare highlighted his “top acceleration” and aerial prowess, as well as his “big heart, right mentality, and right attitude.”
The Orlando Pirates veteran midfielder sees the KZN-born star flourishing in Europe. “I see him going very far in Europe. I really see him go very far,” Monare told FARPost.
Sithole’s stock is undoubtedly rising. With the backing of Bafana stars and his impressive performances in Portugal, he is quickly becoming a key figure for Bafana.
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