CUT ABOVE THE REST

make up for that by punishing their opponents with goals. Thopola and company will need to be alert tonight to stop Sundowns’ rampant attack at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in East London. Coach Pitso Mosimane will tinker with his squad a bit because the Brazilians have Caf Super Cup commitments on Saturday in Pretoria against TP Mazembe.

After the departure of Okwuosa and March van Heerden, to join Pirates, Thopola has to lead the club at the back while the new faces get familiar with the setup.

It was nothing new to him. Thopola captained Thanda Royal Zulu in the first division before he joined the Chilli Boys. He quickly adjusted to the demands of the PSL in the last campaign, hardly showing that it was his debut season. The 26-year-old is one of the best right backs in the country, solid at the back and a threat going forward. He came up with the assist in the win over Baroka FC, supplying Thamsanqa Sagweni who did the rest. His performances at Chippa saw him earn his first Bafana Bafana call-up last year.

“It came as a surprise because I wasn’t expecting it,” Thopola said.

“It was my first season in the PSL. I was a new kid on the block who was trying to make a name for himself.

“It showed that I was doing something good and that people were watching. It motivated me to take my game to the next level because I got through the first step of having the Bafana Bafana coach notice me. I am still new in the national team setup. I need to get familiar with it. Getting a chance to play will help me grow