Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Steve Komphela has hailed Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena for the player’s courage in taking and converting a penalty against Czechia on Thursday.
Bafana were under pressure going into their second Group A match at the ongoing FIFA World Cup after losing 2-0 in a dramatic tournament opener against Mexico a week prior.
The Czechs who also lost their opening match took an early lead against Bafana in Atlanta, a lead they enjoyed for 80 minutes until one of their players handled the ball in their own box.
The Sundowns man stepped up and converted the spot kick to earn South African their first point at the global showpiece while also keeping their hopes of getting out of the group alive.
Komphela said Mokoena is one for big occasions.
“An amazing big heart, this guy is a winner, and whenever stakes are high, he always rises, ” said Komphela on SABC TV.
“I’ve seen him many a times, whether it was in the CAF Champions League with Sundowns or even with the national team.
“It’s not easy to step out when the ball is put on the spot, 1-0, you have to win the match, and it’s about five minutes before end of the match, and then you have to take that kick.
“The confidence, how he guides the ball, how he slashes it. Even if the goalkeeper had taken a dive to the right, he wouldn’t reach it, because the goalkeeper is also tall when he has to stretch, you will first have to go higher because of his height, top, top, top.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.