Kaizer Chiefs Legend Praises 2 Pirates Stars Following Bafana's Victory Over South Sudan
- South Africa are back to winning ways as they defeated South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers
- A late goal from Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha sealed all three points for Bafana Bafana
- A former Kaizer Chiefs player has shared his thoughts on the game, while hailing two Buccaneers stars
Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has praised two Orlando Pirates stars for their performance in Bafana Bafana's victory over South Sudan on Tuesday afternoon.
The South African men's national team drew their first group game in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Uganda over the weekend but claimed their first win with a 3-2 victory over the Bright Stars at the Juba Stadium.
Polokwane City star Oswin Appollis scored a first-half brace in the game, but a late goal from Thalente Mbatha sealed all three points for Hugo Broos' side.
Source: Getty Images
Khumalo hails two Pirates stars
According to iDiskiTimes, Khumalo, on SABC1, shared his thoughts on South Africa's victory over South Sudan and admitted it was a difficult tie for the Mzansi men's team.
"This game was a tough tie. I thought we were just sailing, and that's it," the Bafana Bafana legend said.
"What made us better is the composure and belief in our abilities. We were playing to our strengths and not to the opponents' strengths.
"And we have players we can introduce, like Mokwana and Mofokeng, that changed the game's complexion. That's how the game is supposed to be; the bench is supposed to win games for you."
The Bafana Bafana legend hailed Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng for their contribution to South Africa's win over the Bright Stars.
"I also thought of Mofokeng on the left-hand side; it paid dividends because Mofokeng is like an outright winger. But again, credit to Mbatha because it seems like he's our match-winner," he added.
"It raises the question – do we now have to rely on Orlando Pirates players because they played more competitive games."
What you need to know about Doctor Khumalo
Doctor Khumalo is a South African football icon known for his stellar performances for Kaizer Chiefs and the national team. Celebrated for his exceptional midfield skills, he had a distinguished career with Bafana Bafana.
Doctor Khumalo, whose full name is Theophilus Khumalo, is renowned for his role as a star midfielder with Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team. He is the son of Eliakim Khumalo and Mable Khumalo. His father, Eliakim, was a prominent footballer during the 1970s and 1980s.
In 1987, Doctor Khumalo debuted for Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, eventually cementing his legacy as a star midfielder. His most notable achievements came in the 1990s when he helped Kaizer Chiefs secure three South African league titles and five knockout trophies.
His exceptional footballing prowess earned him the South African Footballer of the Year award in 1992. During his time with Kaizer Chiefs, he played in 397 league and cup matches, scoring 90 goals.
Khumalo also contributed significantly to the South African national team, including participating in the squad's first international match against Cameroon in July 1992 and competing in the African Nations Cup 1996.
Fans react to Bafana's win over South Sudan
Briefly News earlier reported that Mzansi fans reacted on South Africa's victory over the Bright Stars in South Sudan on Tuesday.
Mbatha was the hero once against for the Bafana Bafana as they bagged all three points away from home.
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Source: Briefly News
