Mamelodi Sundowns' legend, Themba Mnguni, believes that Asavela Mbekile has a tough road ahead as he attempts to secure a regular spot at Downs, however, he feels that the player has the ability to make it at the highest level. But how does a player stay motivated when he is receiving very little game-time? We spoke to Mnguni to find out…
Soccer Laduma: Hi Themba. There was a lot of hype when Asavela Mbekile joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Moroka Swallows at the beginning of the season, but unfortunately the player has struggled with game-time, only making a few appearances up until now.
Themba Mnguni: There is no doubt that Mbekile is a good player with good defensive midfield attributes. There is a pool of great players at Sundowns, and he has to work very hard to emulate the players that are currently getting enough game-time. There are also players who are seasoned campaigners in the position that he is playing, and that makes things difficult for him to claim a regular berth in the team. However, looking at his background, since his time with Chippa United and then Moroka Swallows, he has proven himself to be one of the best defensive midfielders South Africa has ever produced. With time, I have no doubt that he will get his chance to showcase his talent. He only has to keep on impressing at training, because that's where everything starts.
SL: Many People say Sundowns are destroying players, given the fact that in the past seasons they have signed players who were playing regularly like Mbekile at their previous teams, only to find themselves on the fringes at Chloorkop. What is your comment on that?
TM: People have their own opinions and we have to respect that. Sundowns are a big team and we need to consider that every team needs depth in their arsenal. The team will be competing in Africa. They have a responsibility to defend their league title, as well as compete in the domestic cup competition. That is where the need for depth in the team comes in handy. You can have 30 great players in your team, but at the end of the day, only eleven players and three substitutes can play. Players understand that. With such a heavy schedule, any team needs a muscle of that nature. You need to have cover in all the positions in your squad. That is the case at Sundowns.
SL: Having seen the player in action? What do you think are his best attributes?
TM: As a defensive midfielder, he is strong, he wins tackles and he is also a good distributor of the ball, which is something very important when playing in that position. Like I said, I have no doubt that he will get a chance one day to prove his worth. In my opinion, it was not a fluke that Sundowns bought him from Moroka Swallows. He has the potential to play for a team of Sundowns' calibre.
SL: You are a Sundowns legend and know the culture of the team. How does a player motivate himself when he is not getting much game-time in a star-studded team like Sundowns?
TM: It is true that every player wants to play, but in a situation like Mbekile's, one needs to be strong. You need to have a big heart and not lose hope easily. They say patience can cook a stone. There is also a certain programme that fringe players have to follow at Sundowns. Players don't just sit there on the sidelines or on the stands and wait for a miracle to happen. There are a lot of friendly games organised to keep them on their toes. For instance, I joined Mamelodi Sundowns first team in 1992, but I only started playing regularly in 1995, and it was then that people started recognising me. While I was on the sidelines, I kept on working hard, waiting for my chance to come. I took advice from senior players and also learned a lot from them. That helped, and when the opportunity for me to play finally came, I took it with both hands and I never looked back.
SL: There were rumours that the player was unhappy because of limited game-time, however in the interview we conducted with him, he came clean and said he is ready to fight for his position in the team.
TM: I like that. It shows you that he is passionate about his job. Football is a men's game and not for the faint hearted. You need to be strong because things don't always turn out the way you expect. If he says he is prepared to fight for his position in the team, then it shows that he has big dreams and isn't focussed on what people are saying. It shows that he wants to be there and he wants to play. By so this, it shows that has the right attitude, which is something that will determine his destiny and take him to the next level.
SL: Lastly, when he came to Sundowns, some people said he was going to give Hlompho Kekana a run for his money in that defensive midfield position, but it hasn't turned out like that. What do you think he has to do to emulate, or better, Hlompho?
TM: Hlompho is a seasoned player and obviously his experience gives him an advantage over Mbekile. He has to come to that level and tell himself that he wants to be more than Hlompho. One, he has to look and Hlompho's strong points and try to emulate them. Two, he has to look at Hlompho's weak points and try to capitalise on them and decide where he can be better than Hlompho. He also has to learn the culture of playing regularly for Sundowns. For him to be playing in that defensive midfield role permanently, where he will have to link play between defence and attack, he will have a big responsibility on his shoulders. He also has to talk a lot to his seniors in the team to get advice, especially Hlompho who is playing in the same position as him. Hlompho is a nice guy, and I strongly believe that he will share his experience with him.
SL: Legend, thanks for your time.
TM: You're welcome.
Hey guys please share your views in the comments section about Mnguni's mini interview on Mbekile's situation at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Cheers.
