Pitso praises Baxter

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane says Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter is an astute tactician who knows how to select the right players. Mosimane said his team’s success in the Caf Champions League is rubbing off on the national team as a majority of Masandawana players featured in Bafana’s 2-0 win over Nigeria in June. “You need the people who don’t care about the crowd, the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Keagan Dolly, Tiyani Mabunda, Bongani Zungu, Percy Tau, Teboho Langerman, Themba Zwane, and I can even mention Ramahlwe Mphahlele because he was with us for the Champions League” said Mosimane. “That is what Stuart wants. He knows that if he goes to Nigeria his players may be intimidated, but if he takes guys who are experienced on the continent, he is good to go.”

Orlando Pirates striker Siyanda Ngubo (above) is hoping to make the grade as he started training with the team this week, aiming to impress coach Kjell Jonevret. A source close to the 20-year-old said he doesn’t want to play in the National First Division again next season. “He has big dreams which include going overseas and playing in the NFD is not helping him. He is still young and wants to start playing in the top flight so he can get the exposure. He said if he doesn’t make it at Pirates again this season, he will ask that he be loaned out to a Premiership team,” explained the source. Despite his lack of height his cunning and pace make him a lethal attacker.