Doctor Khumalo has shared how Bafana Bafana teammates can protect a naturally gifted player like Orlando Pirates‘ midfielder Sipho Mbule. Khumalo, one of Bafana’s creative cogs in the triumphant 1996 AFCON, suggested that Mbule’s unique abilities are innate and cannot be taught.
He argued that coach Hugo Broos must prioritise protecting his freedom to express his talent on the field rather than burdening him with exhaustive defensive duties.
The Kaizer Chiefs legend was emphatic that Mbule’s flair and ability are “natural talent” that defy traditional coaching methods.
“You can’t tell Mbule what to do,” Khumalo said. “It’s a natural talent. You can’t coach him to do what he does on the field.”
According to Khumalo, a coach’s role is not to tamper with this innate skill but to focus on the periphery. The only area a coach can influence is “tactical discipline,” as his output on the ball is “natural.”
“I can’t go out there and say to him, ‘Show me your number’ or ‘Do this.’ No, it’s natural to him. The boy has got it.”
‘PROTECT SIPHO MBULE’: DOCTOR KHUMALO TELLS BAFANA TEAMMATES
For players like Mbule, Khumalo believes the key to unlocking their best is granting them freedom while ensuring the team structure cushions them defensively.
“We just have to do one thing, give him the freedom to do whatever he wants to do, but protect him,” Khumalo advised.
He drew a parallel to his own golden generation Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs teams, referencing how the midfield was structured to allow playmakers the license to attack.
Khumalo, who was wide, and the playmaker John ‘Shoes’ Moshoeu were protected by hard-working midfielders like Linda Buthelezi and Eric Tinkler, ensuring “lots of possession.”
This protection meant the attacking players didn’t have to “track back” constantly, allowing them to conserve energy for offensive moments.
Khumalo warned against demanding too much defensive work from such creative players, arguing it is detrimental to their primary role.
“We only need him to do his best ability,” Khumalo explained. “If you want him to track also, then you’re gonna be killing his instinct in terms of going forward.”
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