Photo Credit: Mamelodi Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has boldly predicted that his team’s youthful defender Malibongwe Khoza will make it into Bafana Bafana’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.
The coach said this after Khoza’s sterling display on Saturday evening when Sundowns punished Sekhukhune United 3-0 in a Betway Premiership match at Verfeld Loftus Stadium in Pretoria.
“I am very happy with Khoza. He is developing into something big. If he continues like this, he has a very good chance of going to AFCON with the national team. I have no doubt,” Mngqithi said.
Without the presence of experienced defenders such as Rivaldo Coetzee, the 20-year-old centre-back was effective on both ends of the pitch as he nearly scored with a diving header from a corner-kick in the first half.
Sundowns scored via Sekhukhune defender Tresor Yamba’s own goal in the 22nd minute before Arthur Sales and Iqraam Rayners added two more goals in the second half to ensure the maximum points.
The defending champions went into the game after losing 2-1 to Magesi FC in the Carling Cup Knockout Cup final the previous weekend followed by a midweek home goalless draw against Congolese side, AS Maniema Union, in the CAF Champions League group stage game.
Sundowns lead the standings on a superior goal aggregate over deposed leaders Orlando Pirates, who also have 21 points after suffering their first league loss of the season in a 0-1 result to Stellenbosch 1-0 on Sunday.
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