Sekhukhune United winger Elias Mokwana has opened up on what it meant to get special praise from his icon, Doctor Khumalo following his recent performances for Bafana Bafana.
Mokwana was outstanding during the two FIFA Series international friendly matches for Bafana against Andorra and Algeria last week. He scored against Andorra, while his deflected shot was credited to Iqraam Rayners against Algeria.
Khumalo has hailed the 24-year-old and said that he will give the national team a different dimension in terms of options.
WHAT DOCTOR KHUMALO PRAISE MEANT FOR ELIAS MOKWANA
“Obviously, I was happy. Who wouldn’t be happy with Doctor [Khumalo] talking about me like that?” Mokwana told FARPost.
“Some of these legends, I looked up to them. So it’s brilliant for all of them to talk about me like that. I looked up to Doctor Khumalo. My father used to tell me about him and used to show me some clips before he passed away.
“I grew up watching soccer with my father and I told him that I don’t see myself doing another thing, I can only see myself playing football,” he said.
PATIENCE FINALLY PAYING OFF FOR SEKHUKHUNE UNITED STAR
The recent matches were the first official games for the 24-year-old under Hugo Broos. This is despite being named as one of the standby players in the 2023 Bafana AFCON squad but never travelled with the team.
Meanwhile, Mokwana revealed how Bafana Bafana coach Broos told him to be patient and wait for his opportunity.
“He always told me that I am going to have my chance,” he said. “I need to wait so that I can use it efficiently when I get it. That’s what happened. I got it, and I used it.”
On the goal that was credited to Rayners against Algeria, this is what Mokwana had to say: “Look, it’s a team sport. So whoever gets the goal is for the team, and I am happy for him [Rayners].”
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