Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has suggested Malibongwe Khoza could be the breakout talent in the first-team this season.
The 20-year-old defender has been one of their standout players in the reserve league where they fought for the title with Stellenbosch FC until the final day.
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Khoza, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Siyabonga Mabena were among those who featured in the DDC last season who were on their pre-season tour of Austria, and Mngqithi admits the defender is showing signs he’s ready to be thrown into the deep end this season.
“We have a lot of youngsters in the first team, and they improve the tempo of the training, the intensity of the training is already at a very good level and these young boys are looking to dribble anyone, anyhow,” he said on Downs’ Pitchside podcast.
“They are getting stronger every day, they are getting kicked by the senior players, nobody wants to be dribbled by these youngsters, so the spirit of the game is getting stronger every day in training, ah Mabena, Kutlwano… [players thinking] what [are they] going to do [today]?
“One other player that not many people are talking about that has really had a good pre-season is Malibongwe, the centre-back, I think the boy is going to be something else, I think the boy will surprise a lot of people. Don’t be surprised if you see him starting a match and a big match for that matter.
“He is showing very good signs, technically he is very good, he’s strong aerially, and he looks slow, but he’s not the slowest of players. But he’s also intelligent and brave.”
Masandawana are currently gearing up for their MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Polokwane City this coming weekend.
The match is set for the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Sunday, August 11, at 15:00.
