‘He’s one of the best I’ve ever seen’ – Aubrey Mathibe on Chiefs goalkeeper
Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper coach Aubrey Mathibe has made a surprising statement, singling out a sidelined Amakhosi goalie as the best he has ever seen.
Mathibe was speaking on the sidelines of the graduation ceremony for the Twinning Project, a special initiative focused on rehabilitating women inmates. Mathibe, representing Chiefs in the project, participated by equipping offenders with coaching skills.
Interestingly, Mathibe expresses confidence that Bontle Molefe is the best goalkeeper he has ever encountered and believes the young goalkeeper has a promising future ahead in goalkeeping.
The Dube-born goalkeeper was promoted to the senior team at just 16 years old, yet he has not made his official debut. Now 22, he has been with the senior team for six years, but he has not made a significant challenge for the number one spot.
WHY MATHIBE BELIEVES MOLEFE IS ONE OF THE BEST
Mathibe, who was with the first team until this season, recognised a shared path with the young shot-stopper. “I think he is one of the best goalkeepers I’ve ever seen in South Africa.”
He believes injuries have hampered the career of the academy graduate. But, drawing from his journey, he advises the goalie to be patient.
“Sometimes you remember when you’re a goalkeeper, you must be patient. I’ve been there. The good thing is that I’m always talking to him about it. I’ve been at Kaizer Chiefs… I played only two games,” he explained.
“I was there, and then I was committed to my job, and then I was doing well because if you are not doing well for Kaizer Chiefs, you know you’re going to leave. So, such a talented player like him. You need to be patient. You need to keep working hard because only God will answer.”
“As a goalkeeper, you’re not like an infield player. Sometimes, you can sit on the bench for two to three years without playing. So, you need to be patient and stay positive.
“But when you get an opportunity, use it well.”
He used Itumeleng Khune as an example. Khune made his debut in 2004 and never looked back. The former Bafana Bafana captain, Khune, who left the club at the end of the 2023/24 season, is rated one of the best goalkeepers in the club’s history.
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