With Khuliso Mudau and Bandile Shandu setting the scene alight for Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively, the Siya crew takes a look at five of the top performing right backs in Mzansi right now.
Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Despite sharing right back duties with Thapelo Morena this season, Khuliso Mudau has been immense for the reigning league champions when called upon, particularly in the CAF Champions League, where he has started all five matches. In his 19 games in all competitions, the 26-year-old has been reliable and contributed some goals, the most noteworthy was the stunning strike in their 3-0 win over TS Galaxy on Wednesday.
Bandile Shandu (Orlando Pirates)
While his signing from Maritzburg United at the start of the season by no means created shockwaves, Bandile Shandu is proving to be quite the steal for Pirates. The 26-year-old has grown in stature and has not only cemented his place as the club's first-choice right back, he has also chipped in with an impressive six goals in all competitions. He is the leading goalscorer in the CAF Confederation Cup and has played 27 games in all competitions so far this season.
Thembela Sikhakhane (AmaZulu)
Sikhakhane has been coach Benni McCarthy's go-to man this season. He has featured in 22 games in all competitions and has scored two goals for Usuthu. A standout trait of Sikhakhane's performances is how he manages to surge forward to deliver decent crosses. He has also been immense in the CAF Champions League.
Thami Mkhize (Cape Town City)
The veteran has rolled back the years and jostled back his right-back berth from Craig Martin this season. The 33-year-old has been reliable for coach Eric Tinkler and has made 22 appearances so far in the campaign. He has contributed one goal and set up three assists so far.
Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs)
The man Stuart Baxter referred to as the best right back in the league earlier on in the campaign has repaid his coach's faith. The 22-year-old has showed his versatility, being used either as a right back or in midfield. He has been incredibly solid in either role and has yielded 18 appearances for Amakhosi this campaign.
Have your say, which other defender do you think should be on this list?
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