Golden Arrows FC coach Manqoba Mngqithi feels Ayanda Jiyane is one of the most underrated players in the Betway Premiership and has ranked the defender among the best in the league.
The 23-year-old is in his second season with Arrows, having previously played top-flight football for the now-defunct Royal AM. He has featured in all matches for Abafana Bes’thende this season, making appearances across all competitions.
Although Arrows have been average performers and fighting for a top-eight finish, Jiyane has been one of their standout players. They are currently ninth on the table, having conceded 25 goals in 20 league outings.
That does not give an encouraging reading about their defence. But so impressive has Jiyane been to Mngqithi that the coach has given him the captain’s armband. Mngqithi had been waxing lyrical about his players, but his praise of Jiyane has drawn attention to the player.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach believes his player is one of the best centre-backs in the top-flight league. The high praise could invite scrutiny of Jiyane, who has yet to earn the recognition of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
MNGQITHI CONVINCED JIYANE IS UNAPPRECIATED IN THE PSL
“Jiyane has been very consistent. He is one of the best defenders. It’s just in our country, remember we are coming from mfecane [the crushing or the scattering], those wars,” said Mngqithi.
“So we always think, better players are bigger players. Jiyane, for me, is one of the best defenders. His partner, [Ntandoyenkosi] Mabaso, was playing in the ABC Motsepe last season, and he is also a very good football player.
“I foresee them being top defenders next season. Already, they have done exceptionally well. So, I rate him [Jiyane] very highly, and that’s why I even gave him the captain’s armband to make sure that I show the confidence that I have in him.
“From the first day he played for me, I was very impressed by him. He has got so many qualities that you need in a modern centre-back.”
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