Mnyamane explains why Pirates defender was toughest opponent

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Sekhukhune United performance analyst and set-piece coach Thabo Mnyamane has explained why Orlando Pirates defender Paseka Mako was his toughest opponent.

Mnyamane recently called time on his professional career after struggling with persistent injuries in the last few years.

The former Bafana Bafana international had a career in the SA top-flight that lasted for over a decade at several teams, including SuperSport United.

Mnyamane broke into the scene in 2013 with AmaTuks, where he showcased his attacking prowess. After impressing in the colours of the University of Pretoria, Mnyamane made a big transfer move to SuperSport in 2015.

At SuperSport, the left-footed midfielder established himself as one of the outstanding attackers as he scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in 74 matches in all competitions.

In his successful spell with Matsatsantsa, Mnyamane won two MTN8 titles and Nedbank Cup trophy. The 31-year-old left SuperSport in 2020 to join the now-defunct Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC which was later purchased by Marumo Gallants.

WHAT DID THABO MNYAMANE SAY ABOUT PASEKA MAKO?

Paseka Mako. Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates/X

Mnyamane who was known for his exiting skills and blistering pace has revealed that Paseka Mako was his toughest defensive opponent. The former Tuks star says Mako’s height and pace gave advantage to win the defensive duels.

“Funny enough I didn’t like to face Mako, I’m tall and he’s short, so he would get under my shoulder,” Mnyamane told FARPost.

“I would try to block him and he would just go under my shoulder, I remember we were playing a Nedbank Cup match when he was still at Chippa [United, I think it was a semi-final. First-half, he got me out of the game, I didn’t know what to do because I didn’t know him.

“So Mako is the player I didn’t enjoy facing and also Wayde Jooste because the guy runs 90 minutes and you can’t keep up with him.”

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