Brilliant Motjeka stakes his claim

Young defender Madisha impresses coach Mosimane

One of the few positives from Mamelodi Sundowns’ defeat to Golden Arrows in the Nedbank Cup last 16 on Saturday was the performance of defender Motjeka Madisha.

The former national under20 skipper started alongside the experienced Thabo Nthethe at the heart of Sundowns’ defence, in the absence of Bangaly Soumahoro, Wayne Arendse and Ricardo Nacsimento.

Madisha, who captained Sundowns’ Multichoice Diski Challenge side, made some timely interceptions and was calm in possession of the ball, as he raised his hand for a regular spot in the African champions’ starting line-up.

“I think Madisha was my man of the match, brilliant. Last time he was man of the match was when we beat Mariveni United, so he was unbelievable today. He is raising his hand to say ‘I’m no longer young, maybe I should be in the starting line-up’. He’s a good player, I’m very happy for him,” said Mosimane.

Madisha, 22, will get another opportunity to impress in the starting line-up when Sundowns take on Tshwane rivals SuperSport United at Loftus Stadium on Thursday (6pm).

“He’ll play on Thursday. As long as the other three are out, then you’ll see Motjeka playing. But if the senior players come back, he needs to go back and earn his stripes like Percy [Tau]. That’s the principle.”

In a bizarre PSL fixture schedule, Sundowns’ next two matches are against Matsatsantsa, their cross-town rivals and championship hopefuls, this Thursday and on April 19.

I think Madisha was man of the match, brilliant Pitso Mosimane SUNDOWNS’ COACH