Mobara puts faith in U23’s defence
SA UNDER-23 defender Abbubaker Mobara feels the team’s main challenge has been sorted out ahead of the Olympics in Brazil. During the CAF Under-23 Championships in Senegal last November, the defence came under some serious criticism. In the end, though, they managed to qualify for the Olympics, which start in Rio next month.
Head coach Owen da Gama has responded by adding over-age players Itumeleng Khune and Mulomowandau Mathoho to bolster defence. New Orlando Pirates signing Mobara, who has played mainly at right-back, feels the new additions have made the defence stronger.
“Most people said our weakness is defence, but with Rivaldo (Coetzee) and Mathoho, plus Jody (February) or Khune in goal, I think that’ sa good balance.
“I think with Mathoho coming into the team that secures the defence, because he’s got the height and experience.
As for Rivaldo, I can’t say much about him, because he is in a world of his own. For his age (19), he’s absolutely fantastic in his position.”
Mobara, 22, also shared his views on the three selected goalkeepers : Khune, February and Nkosingiphile Gumede.
He argued that the technical team would have to make a very difficult decision in terms of who takes the No 1.
“It’s going to be a tough decision for the coach to choose between the three goalkeepers.
“I mean, the coach has three fantastic goalkeepers in the goals, especially Khune and the upcoming February. We have a strong team overall.”
Mobara added that he was comfortable playing in any position despite claims that he would prefer to play in central defence.
“For me, I’m happy to be playing anywhere in the field. I don’t like settling for second best, so I would rather be in the first line-up all the time and obviously, sometimes it is frustrating to move from position to position.”