Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi has shared insights into Hugo Broos’s decision to choose Orlando Pirates’ Masindi Nemtajela over Kaizer Chiefs’ attacker Mduduzi ‘Mdu or Die’ Shabalala.
Nemtajela, who is 24 years old, hasn’t scored or assisted in his 10 matches this season.
ALSO READ | Bafana Bafana squad to face Zambia announced
Meanwhile, Shabalala, at 21, has already scored three goals and provided an assist in 10 appearances.
“This is a tricky one because, as coaches, we plan differently,” Vilakazi explains to KickOff.
“Looking at the squad Hugo Broos selected for the Zambia game, there are quite a few attacking players.
“Out of the midfielders he chose, only Thalente Mbatha and Masindi Nemtajela seem suited to support forward play more.
“Sometimes as a coach, you decide to play one defensive midfielder alongside two attacking midfielders. You need a strong midfielder who can both win the ball and attack.
“In some matches, players who can go forward and then fall back are essential. Nemtajela, Mbatha, and Teboho Mokoena are good options for that.
“Tebza can move up and back easily. Nemtajela can do the same, push into the opposition’s box and create chances for his strikers- he’s always looking to help feed them his strikers and set up scoring opportunities for them. Though he hasn’t scored yet, he does a lot to create chances upfront.
“Now, does Mdu have those qualities? I’m not so sure.
“Mdu is a talented player, and I really like him. He’s improving with each game- he was selected before, which says he’s doing something right.
ALSO READ | Chiefs reject European offer for Mduduzi Shabalala
“He shouldn’t be discouraged just because he wasn’t chosen this time. He’s performing well at Kaizer Chiefs- scoring, gaining confidence, and creating scoring chances.”
“I’m very pleased with his progress as a number 10. He should keep working hard and be proud to be part of the Bafana Bafana pool.”
