Pitso raves about Madisha play

MAKESHIFT centre-back Motjeka Madisha will play again for Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday when the champions return to league action in their derby encounter against SuperSport United. Madisha made a strong impression in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup second round loss to Lamontville Golden Arrows at Atteridgeville. “Madisha was my man-of-the-match. Brilliant‚” said Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane. “He was also man-of-the-match when we played in the first round of the Nedbank Cup when we beat Mariveni. “He is raising his hand to say ‘I’m no longer young‚ maybe I should be in the starting lineup’‚” said Mosimane after being forced to include the 22-year-old in defence on Saturday.

Madisha was duped by Nduduzo Sibiya of Arrows for the game’s only goal after being sold a clever dummy.

But for the rest of the game he did not put a foot wrong as he featured in the Brazilians’ defence for the first time.

Usually a central midfielder‚ he was making just his third start for Sundowns and put up a strong performance with key tackles that denied Arrows other good opportunities.

Sundowns have been hit by an injury crisis among their centre-backs with only Thabo Nthethe fit.

Wayne Arendse had knee surgery last month‚ Ricardo Nascimento is struggling with a long-term groin injury and Bangaly Soumaharo hurt his ankle.

The trio sat out on Saturday as Nthethe and Madisha combined for the first time to the satisfaction of Mosimane‚ who also added to Madisha’s performance: “He’s the captain of our MDC team and a brilliant player. I’m really happy for him.”

Motjeka‚ who has played for Bafana Bafana in the Cosafa Castle Cup‚ was last season on loan at Highlands Park in the National First Division but only made his Sundowns debut in the goalless draw with Maritzburg in August when he featured in midfield. — TMG