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Mathew Booth 2.0? PSL defenders with familiar traits

Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Matthew Booth has identified PSL defenders who possess similar attributes to those he displayed during his playing career.

Besides playing for Sundowns, Booth also played for now-defunct Bidvest Wits and Ajax Cape Town [now called Cape Town Spurs] in the DStv Premiership. In Europe, the 47-year-old played for two Russian teams, FK Rostov and Krylya Sovetov Samara.

In addition, Booth also played for the national team, Bafana Bafana and was part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup squad.

PSL DEFENDERS Ndah and Kekana Earn Booth’s Praise

Booth says Orlando Pirates defender Olisa Ndah and Mamelodi Sundowns star Grant Kekana have the same style of play as he had during his playing days.

Olisa Ndah during Orlando Pirates training
Olisa Ndah during Orlando Pirates training. Picture by Orlando Pirates

“There are some defenders that I enjoy watching because they have the attributes that I always wanted or that I always worked on and that I used in my game,” Booth told FARPost.

“I would have to mention Olisa Ndah. He’s very comfortable on the ball. He’s not the fastest defender, but he doesn’t have to be because he reads the game very well.

“He composed and very solid for Orlando Pirates in that backline. For me, he’s one of the best in the league as well.

“Also Grant Kekana, I think he developed nicely during his SuperSport United days at right-back. He’s playing right centre-back at Sundowns, and he’s also become a lot calmer. He can also become aggressive which is a very good combination to have as a centre-back.

“He has improved a lot playing at the back very comfortable on the ball, that’s something that Sundowns really needs especially when defending set-pieces, he’s been vital adding aerial presence as well.

RELATED STORY: Matthew Booth’s advice to struggling Cassius Mailula at Toronto FC

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