Yaya Sithole explains flourishing partnership with Teboho Mokoena
Bafana Bafana midfielder Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole has explained his flourishing partnership with Teboho Mokoena at the ongoing AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.
Sithole and Mokoena have been phenomenal in the middle of the park for Bafana and played a key role as the national team qualified for the CAF AFCON semi-finals.
The midfield duo has emerged as a key strength for Bafana, offering a complementary combination that is both pleasing to watch and tactically valuable at AFCON.
Sithole operates as a holding midfielder [number six] – anchoring the play and breaking up opposition attacks. Meanwhile, Mokoena takes on a more advanced role, often as a number eight, driving forward with the ball, supporting the attack, and creating goal-scoring opportunities.
Hugo Broos‘ charges will take on rivals Nigeria in the tournament’s semi-finals on Wednesday, 07 February 2024 at Stade Bouaké Stadium. The kick-off is at 19:00 [SA time].
In an interview with FARPost, Sithole discussed what it means for him to be playing alongside a player he describes as a “great footballer”, Mokoena.
SPHEPHELO SITHOLE ON PLAYING ALONGSIDE TEBOHO MOKOENA IN BAFANA COLOURS
“I think he’s a great person and a great footballer as well,” Sithole told FARPost. “So, I think he has a lot of qualities to play overseas. I think maybe after this tournament, he will get a chance for himself to go overseas.
“If God wants him to go, that’s how I think it can be good for him. He’s a really good footballer and a good human being as well.”
HOW SPHEPHELO SITHOLE AND TEBOHO MOKOENA COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER
The talented midfield maestro, Sithole, went on to divulge how his play complements the one of Mokoena in the field of play.
However, he further stated that whatever they do on the pitch, it goes down to the coach’s plans.
“I think in terms of quality, we have similar qualities. I can play as a box-to-box and him as well can play box-to-box. He can also play as a 6 and 8,” he added.
“But I think we are doing more of what the coach wants from us [me staying behind and for Mokoena to go a little further].”
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