Mamelodi Sundowns defender-cum-midfielder Malibongwe Khoza has revealed that a pivotal word from veteran centre-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele during the Algeria match changed his approach entirely.
Khoza, who started in a three-man defence alongside Kwanda Mngonyama and Mphahlele, shifted to a more advanced midfield role as the first-half progressed. He credited Mphahlele for encouraging this switch, which proved to be a turning point in the game.
From midfield, Khoza made a significant impact, notably contributing to Thabiso Kutumela’s goal with a well-executed long-range pass. His impressive debut for the national team earned him the Man of the Match award as South Africa drew 1-1 with Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda on Friday.
“I think I can play anywhere, midfield is where I’ve been playing since I was a young boy. I’ve been playing there for a long time. But today [Friday], Rama [Mphahlele] told me I must push up and be confident I can play in the middle,” Khoza told FARPost.
He added that the gaps in midfield and lack of dangerous runs by the Algerians made it easy for him to push into the middle of the park.
RAMAHLWE MPHAHLELE’S TIPS MALIBONGWE KHOZA TO SHINE
“I always tease him at training, I always say to him ‘you’re not a centre-back. You should leave us alone at the back.’ I think he had a very good game, he showed maturity,” Mphahlele explained to FARPost.
He believes Khoza possesses the qualities necessary to excel in midfield and predicts that he will continue to shine as the tournament progresses. “He led the team very well. He’s very brave on and off the ball. As I mentioned, he will improve in the tournament. He’s a very important player for us. We can only encourage him to keep doing what he did today. He will help us a lot in this tournament.”
The 35-year-old defender was dependable at the back, effectively neutralising numerous attacking threats from the opposition. His role extends beyond playing, as he also takes on the responsibility of mentoring the team’s young players.
“For me, I also have a role; we’ve got a lot of youngsters in the team. One of my jobs I have is to guide them and keep the team together. I’m excited to be here and representing my country. I just want to enjoy my football and keep progressing.”
He is confident that Bafana Bafana has the potential to score goals and emphasises the importance of maintaining clean sheets to progress far in the tournament. South Africa, currently in fourth place, will face Guinea on Monday at the Mandela Stadium in their second group match.
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