Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has named Marumo Gallants left-back Lebogang Mabotja as a player he would sign for the Brazilians.
The Brazilians defeated Gallants with a 2-0 scoreline in the semi-final of the Carling Knockout Cup at the Petrus Molemela Stadium on Sunday, 10 November 2024. Sundowns are set to face Magesi FC in the CKO final at Toyota on Saturday, 23 November 2024.
Masandawana have already beaten the Bloemfontein-based side 4-1 in the current Betway Premiership season. Meanwhile, Sundowns have claimed impressive wins on the road to the semi-finals after beating Golden Arrows 5-0 in the first round before thrashing Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 at FNB Stadium last weekend.
After scoring 11 goals in three Carling Knockout matches, Sundowns have been tipped to go all the way and lift the second edition of the competition.
Despite Manqoba Mngqithi winning against Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, the experienced coach has admitted that Gallants have good individual players.
MNGQITHI SPEAKS OUT ON THE ADMIRATION OF LEBOHANG MABOTJA
The former Golden Arrows tactician says he would sign Gallants left-back Lebohang Mabotja if he was not over 30 years of age. Mabotja has been one of the regular starters for Dan Malesela at Gallants after he was signed from Magesi FC in the off-season.
In recent years, Sundowns have flexed their muscles in the transfer market with the signing of top talent from overseas and in the African continent.
“We’ve done our work in terms of video analysis, and we’ve probably looked at the last four matches they played. Dan has always been the coach that plays very good football with a lot of short passes, but lately, he also developed a culture of long balls,” Mngqithi said.
“The goal that was scored by [Siyabulela] Shai against Stellenbosch is evidence of that long ball. Gallants is a very good team with a lot of interesting players. [Thapelo] Dhludhlu on the right is very quick and causes a lot of problems. They still have [Gabadinho] Mhango, who comes in whenever they need him.
“Their midfield is very industrious with Edgar Manaka, Xola Mlambo, and the boy that I don’t think many people know and that I regard very highly is [Christopher] Sithole. He’s a very good footballer, but not many people talk about him. I think he’s one of those players that are overlooked.
“I also love Mabotja at left-back; he’s a very important player for Marumo; it’s a pity his age is where it is; he’s a good player that I would have considered very strongly.”
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