Bafana Bafana coach spoke about the intelligence of Mbatha
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Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos revealed why he decided to grant Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha national call up ahead of AFCON qualifiers.
South Africa will battle Uganda on 6 September at Orlando Stadium then travel out of the country to take on South Sudan four days later. Yesterday Bafana coach Broos announced his final 23-man squad from the preliminary squad that were consisting of 38 players.
Mbatha has introduced himself as a key player for his club and get a reward for his hard work at the national team (call-up).
Broos discribed Mbatha’s discipline in his position and his calmness on the ball as the reason why he picked the former Supersport United midfielder.
Bafana coach emphasized that they have been looking for a player of Mbatha’s quality for a long period. He want players to get game time in their respective club level soo that they can be afforded opportunity to represent the nation.
Speaking about the maestro of Orlando Pirates Football Club, Broos highlighted that he likes the way he times his run.
Broos said “This is a type of player on that position we have been looking for already for a long time.
“He is a typical defensive midfielder, he is playing his position, he plays the game from left to right, he’s always there, available.
“He’s not running like a fool in front, what I’ve seen from him tactically, he plays what he has to do.
“So, it’s the right moment to call him to Bafana Bafana and it’s up to him now to show in training and if he should play.
“Maybe he (can) not play all games but come in and prove that he is in the right place.”
Mbatha will not be the first player to patiently waiting to make his debut at Bafana Bafana and other players who are hoping to make their debut are Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates), Fawaaz Basadien (Stellenbosch FC) and Rushwin Dortley (Kaizer Chiefs).
Chaine was selected as replacement of Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is still nursing his injury.
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
