Three DStv Prem centre-back pairings that have impressed Matthew Booth this season
Retired defender Matthew Booth has listed three DStv Premiership centre-back pairings that have impressed him this season.
Interestingly, out of the three partnerships that Booth chose, there’s no mention of the big three: Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 2023/24 PSL season is nearing its conclusion, with the final matches expected to be played in May.
Booth says he’s been impressed by Stellenbosch FC duo Thabo Moloisane and Ismael Toure, Sekhukhune United’s Daniel Cardoso and Tresor Tshibwabwa and Lebohang Mkaki and Bulelani Nikan of Polokwane City FC.
THABO MOLOISANE AND ISMAEL TOURE [STELLENBOSCH FC]
Booth has singled out Moloisane and Toure for praise for their consistent performances for Stellies. The two players joined the Cape Winelands side ahead of the current campaign from Maritzburg United and Marumo Gallants respectively.
“The combination of Thabo Moloisane and Ismael Toure has been fantastic and very solid,” Booth told FARPost. The two players are new to the team and have helped Stellenbosch stay on top this season because of their defensive displays.
This season, Moloisane and Toure have played together in 20 matches in all competitions. The centre-backs have helped the Capetonians to keep eight cleansheets. In addition, they also helped Stellies to win their first title in the SA top-flight; the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.
DANIEL CARDOSO AND TRESOR TSHIBWABWA [SEKHUKHUNE UNITED]
Cardoso and Tshibwabwa have been impressive for Sekhukhune, forming a strong partnership in the heart of the defence. The centre-back pairing has helped Babina Noko grind positive results in 2024. Sekhukhune have only lost one game in 12 outings. In other results, they registered seven victories and four draws.
“Daniel Cardoso and Trésor Tshibwabwa have done well at Sekhukhune even though they haven’t played together for a long time. They look like they have gelled well together in the last couple of games they have played. Certainly, they’re going to help Sekhukhune remain at the top of the table.”
The new partnership is still getting stronger game-by-game. They have played 13 matches together in all competitions. The centre-backs have helped the team keep seven clean sheets.
LEBOHANG NKAKI AND BULELANI NIKANI [POLOKWANE CITY FC]
Matthew Booth has also praised Polokwane City’s Nkaki and Nikani for great performances despite not being very experienced in the DStv Premiership. The two centre-backs have made 23 appearances in all competitions together, and their partnership has helped Rise and Shine keep 12 clean sheets.
“I think special mention should go to Polokwane City FC centre-backs Lebohang Nkaki and Bulelani Nikani. They don’t have a lot of DStv Premiership experience, they’ve come to the league, they’ve been formidable and they’ve done very well this season.”
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