Go-getter Mokoena eyes focal role against Chiefs
Midfielder eager to captain squad
As replacement for the suspended Dean Furman, SuperSport United midfield prodigy Teboho Mokoena has expressed his readiness to play a focal role against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday.
Matsatsantsa will be without captain Furman who was sent off in the 74th minute of the 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
Mokoena made a positive contribution in the defeat after entering the match in the 59th minute to replace Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
The Sundowns midfield of Hlompho Kekana and Oupa Manyisa outplayed their SuperSport counterparts Letsholonyane and Furman.
Having risen through the ranks at SuperSport, Mokoena was handed his debut by Stuart Baxter in February in the 5-2 win over Golden Arrows in the league last season.
“It [playing against Chiefs] would be a chance that I will grab with both hands. I must aim to make it difficult for the coach to decide when Dean comes back,” Mokoena told Sowetan. “I would also obviously like to see myself as a regular in the team and also force Dean to work hard in order for him to play again.
“I have played against them [Chiefs] before so I know their weaknesses ... We have to work hard to win the next game because we have a good coach and players so there is no reason why we cannot perform.”
With the highlight of his career being his man-of-thematch performance in the 1-0 win against Wits in April, Mokoena wants another stellar performance against Amakhosi.
SuperSport coach Eric Tinkler confirmed the 20 year old is the natural choice to deputise for Furman against Chiefs at the FNB Stadium.
“Once Dean was sent off, Teboho played that holding role so I do not have any issues there. The youngster has showed great maturity and did extremely well for the club under Stuart last season. I have all my faith and belief in him,” Tinkler said.