Rulani Mokwena Names Orlando Pirates Star As Ideal Replacement for Themba Zwane in Bafana Bafana
- Rulani Mokwena has tipped another Orlando Pirates midfielder as a perfect replacement for Themba Zwane in the South African national team
- The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach believes there's a major concern in the number 10 role in the Bafana Bafana squad, with Zwane's constant injury
- The opinion of the South African tactician sparked different reactions from fans on social media
Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has highlighted Orlando Pirates midfielder Kabelo Dlamini as a strong contender to replace Themba Zwane in the Bafana Bafana number 10 role.
Source: Getty Images
With Zwane sidelined by injury in recent matches, Sipho Mbule, who joined Orlando Pirates in the summer, has been operating as the playmaker. At the same time, Kabelo Dlamini has emerged as a strong contender.
Dlamini has taken preference over teammate Patrick Maswanganyi, who was initially viewed by Hugo Broos as Zwane’s natural successor.
Mokwena names Pirates star as Zwane’s replacement
Mokwena believes there is no need for concern regarding the number 10 role, insisting that Kabelo Dlamini has the quality required to excel as South Africa’s chief creator. He explained in an interview with SAFJA that Dlamini is an excellent option in the playmaker position, particularly because of how well he links up with striker Tshegofatso Mabasa and finds him with decisive passes around the box.
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Mokwena pointed to Pirates’ goal against Lupopo, where Dlamini provided the assist for Apollis, as an example of the attributes that make him a natural fit for the role. He added that South Africa is blessed with many technically gifted players and that there is no need to worry about who should occupy the position.
Source: Getty Images
While acknowledging that Themba Zwane possesses elite qualities that are difficult to replace, Mokwena said that even if an exact replacement is impossible, the coaching staff can still identify a player to function effectively as a number 10 and build the team around him.
Bafana Bafana will face Zambia in an international friendly on Saturday, 15 November, at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Here is what fans are saying about Mokwena's submission about Dlamini replacing Zwane in the Bafana Bafana squad.
Phillip Moreti said:
"Mokwena believes Dlamini has the quality required to excel as South Africa's chief creator, citing his ability to link up with strikers like Tshegofatso Mabasa and deliver passes in and around the box."
Mpendulo Mnguni wrote:
"I agree with him. I know he is not regular at Pirates and not selected to play for Bafana, but Kabelo is my favourite player too. I like many things about him on the field."
Innocent Madiope shared:
"That is how Mokwena behave, once he starts doing better in his current club, he starts talking too much. He wants to coach Bafana now, and it's too early for him. The national team need someone who is not doing favouritism but choosing the winning team, there's no tomorrow in the national team."
Gadza Shakes Dube commented:
"If Hugo Broos hear this, Kabelo Dlamini must just forget about Bafana first line-up 🤞."
Les Qheya added:
"Dlamini is only when he has the ball; otherwise, he's a bit lazy."
Jordaan speaks on Bafana's point deduction
Briefly News also reported that SAFA president Danny Jordaan commented on Bafana Bafana's points deduction during the World Cup qualifiers.
There have been calls from the public that SAFA should sanction those involved in the issue.
Source: Briefly News
