‘He needs to improve’: Benson Mhlongo’s take on Bafana star

Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender Benson Mhlongo has given his honest admission on a national team star following the recent back-to-back 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Bafana started their campaign last Friday at home against Uganda [Orlando Stadium]. Then they took on South Sudan on Tuesday away from home [Juba Stadium].

Due to costly errors at the back, Bafana couldn’t perform at its best. In the two matches the 1996 African champions played, they registered four points and conceded four goals. Firstly, Hugo Broos’ troops played to a 2-2 draw against Uganda, then a few days back defeated South Sudan 3-2.

Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha was the hero in both matches, scoring crucial goals in the stoppage time.

BENSON MHLONGO COMMENTS ON SIYABONGA NGEZANA’S PERFORMANCE

Former defender Mhlongo has called out Ngezana to improve his performance in the national team. Ngezana has been doing well for his Romanian club, FCSB. Last season, they won the league title, and this season, they will participate in the UEFA Europa League, with the former Chiefs defender playing a key role in both competitions.

In the 3-2 victory against South Sudan, Ngezana committed a foul that led to a penalty in the first half. Later in the game, he couldn’t defend as South Sudan levelled matters.

“He’s a good player but needs to improve,” Mhlongo told FARPost. “He is playing in Europe, he gets the challenge there, and he’s doing well.

“National team football is different from club football. He needs to be strong and do what he does best for his club. In my opinion, he’s good, but he must improve his game and not get too comfortable because he’s playing abroad.

“I see a very good defender in him; he must just be confident and be calm. In that match, he was exposed, and we don’t want to see that at the national team; it’s not right.”

RELATED STORY: Benson Mhlongo finds new home