Last week, I spoke about some of the teams that have impressed so far this season and, this week, I'd like to focus on individual players who have impressed me this campaign. Let me congratulate Mamelodi Sundowns on their seventh consecutive league title victory, which is unheard of, and they really deserve everything coming their way. Now they will also be featuring in the FIFA Club World Cup, for the second time, and I have to give credit to coach Rulani Mokwena, Manqoba Mngqithi and the entire technical team as well as the players. While they carry the Brazilians' flag, they are also representing our country, which is why they need everyone's support.
It is a pity that, due to space constraints, I can't mention all the players I would like to acknowledge in this week, but they know themselves. I want to encourage all our footballers to understand their responsibility to make us happy and let them know that they are appreciated. They must never look down on themselves because they have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. We are looking at them as role models for future generations, so it is not just about playing now but securing the future as well. There are players at Stellenbosch FC, AmaZulu FC, SuperSport United, Moroka Swallows and other teams who are also worth a mention but, like I said, due to space issues I couldn't mention them.
On Ronwen Williams
I must say, Ronza has been unbelievable at both club and national team level. The level of respect he always gives me whenever we interact is out of this world. It shows that he is a grounded young man who knows what he wants for his career. Respect and consistency are two of the most important ingredients to success and I believe Ronwen has mastered both so far in his career. I can only predict great things for his future. If you respect the game, yourself, teammates, coaches, legends, supporters and the country you represent, then very little can go wrong in your career. The Beautiful Game will always reward you for all the sacrifices. It is never easy to remain consistent at both club and national team but Ronwen makes it look so easy.
He consistently leads by example and we all know what he has done this season. We can all see why Sundowns went for his signature because he is a modern goalkeeper. With the evolution of the game, your goalkeeper has to be comfortable on the ball and be able to initiate play from the back. Ronwen does that so perfectly even under pressure. He can easily become a transitional player for Sundowns and he ticks all the boxes of a moder goalkeeper. He is able to organise his defence, and everyone can see his impact in the team. I wasn't surprised to see him winning the Goalkeeper of the Year in the recent COSAFA awards. There is more to come for this young man, as long as he continues on this rich vein of form. Make no mistake, I'm not disrespecting any of the other goalkeepers when I say Ronwen is head and shoulders above everyone.
On Tshegofatso Mabasa
What a calm, disciplined and ambitious young striker who does his talking in the field of play! When you look at Mabasa's journey, it is a story of hope and inspiration. This is a boy who was signed from Bloemfontein Celtic and he looked the part at Orlando Pirates, only to be disturbed by injuries and then he was loaned out. He never dropped his head but continued to work hard on his game. Look at what he went on to do at Moroka Swallows and where he is now! Today, he's the hottest striker in the league and you have to give him credit for what he has achieved this season. This boy melted my heart when he created the goal that was scored by Patrick Maswanganyi in a cup game in Durban. With his back to goals, he unselfishly laid the ball for Maswanganyi instead of forcing matters by trying to score himself.
I saw growth in his game that day because, most players would've gone for personal glory in that instance. I just hope and wish he keeps going like that and finds himself in the Bafana Bafana fold very soon. Without any doubt, the boy is on top of his game. I like the fact that he's not your aggressive striker and you don't even see him fighting with the opposition or match officials. He just keeps his eye on the ball and deliver on his job. I'm sure coach Jose Riveiro puts Mabasa's name first when putting his team together because of the way the boy has been so effective for his team. I'm praying that he continues to play the way he has been doing. I like what I have seen on his growth as both a human being and a footballer. It is commendable and beautiful to see. His tactical awareness and approach are second to none. In an era where we are struggling to find the back of the net, Mabasa has raised his hand, and it is not surprising that he is the current Top Goal Scorer. All the best for the remainder of the season, Mabasa!
On Khuliso Mudau
Guys, we seldom appreciate our defenders but Khuliso Mudau is changing all of that. This young man reminds me of Cafu, Ewie Kambule and a little bit of Cyril Nzama. There are so many right backs I can mention and Khuliso has a little bit of almost every one of them in him. He, just like Mabasa, goes about his business quietly. He doesn't make any noise, as he suffocates the opponents at both national and club level. He is one of the defenders who are hardly ever caught out of position. He is always aware of what is happening around him and that always puts him in an advantage, as he can see things before they even happen. The way this boy has improved in the past two seasons or so is just unbelievable!
Interestingly, those of us who have seen previous generations of footballers can see some of our yesteryear right backs in Mudau. The former Black Leopards defender has taken his game and the right back position to another level. I know there is tough competition from Thapelo Morena but the way they keep each other on their toes is a marvel to watch. I also like what I see from Marks Munyai at TS Galaxy in that right back position, without leaving Nyiko Mobbie out.
On Lehlohonolo Mojela
I must admit, the diminutive and speedy TS Galaxy striker has caught my attention this season. He has proved to be a thorn in many defenders' flesh. I would have loved to see him among the top scorers because he deserves to find the back of the net on a more regular basis than he did this season. He brings something different to that team because he can play as a winger and isolate defenders to create spaces for his teammates. The way he utilises his pace to create and score goals is something special. Not your traditional strong striker but you will definitely feel his presence. I like what I see in terms of the understanding between him and his teammates. They seem to know everything about one another, and it shows in how they complement each other. This boy has contributed immensely to Galaxy's season and he's one of the players worth the mention.
On Elias Mokwana
This is not the first time I am mentioning the Sekhukhune United midfielder in this column. I just want him to know that he has showed us what he is made of. Next season will be time for him to accelerate and take his game to the next level. He's one hell of a young player who raised his hand and left a mark. I believe we have a future super star in you and please, keep up the good work. There is something special about you and our coach, Hugo Broos and his technical team will benefit a lot from you. You've really surprised me this season and I want to see you on a different level next season. The future is bright and I'm sure everyone at Sekhukhune is working hard to ensure you stay on the straight and narrow.
On Eva Nga
Guys, Eva Nga was at Pirates and he didn't look the part at all, if his game-time is anything to go by. It looked like he was out of place and the environment was a bit heavier for him. Before joining Pirates, he was scoring goals for Chippa United but things changed when he joined Bucs. What happened since his return to Chippa? This is a lesson to everyone out there to learn that not everyone is capable of withstanding the pressure that comes with playing for big teams. Not everyone will walk into any environment and deliver instantly. Some players take longer than others. This doesn't mean Chippa is weaker or they have lesser pressure, it is about fitting into an environment because football is not just about the 90 minutes on the field. Nga is scoring and creating goals at Chippa in a short space of time after joining from Pirates. What might have been the problem? I would really love to sit down with the boy and find out what really changed for his fortunes to be like this? I'm happy he is scoring and creating goals because that's what every striker wants and is judged.
On Bruce Bvuma
I must commend this young man for his bravery and strong mentality. Having not played for seasons, he showed up when Kaizer Chiefs needed him the most. Not everyone would have been able to handle the kind of pressure he was faced with, as the team wasn't doing well at all, but the young goalkeeper showed a lot of maturity and fearlessly delivered whenever he was expected to. You don't grow in a comfort zone but when the chips are down, and you have to stretch yourself for the team. Bruce has really developed a lot, despite the team's poor run. Keep your head up, boy and I believe you have gained a lot of experience through your regular game-time this season.
