Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane would have seen the qualities Stellenbosch FC’s Sibongiseni Mthethwa would bring to the club on Saturday.
Mthethwa bossed the midfield against star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns as Stellies booked a Nedbank Cup semi-final berth.
The Winelands outfit did it in style at the expense of DStv Premiership champions Sundowns. They beat the 2021/22 Nedbank Cup champions 2-1, ending their hopes of a treble this season.
Central to that delectable victory was Mthethwa, who held the fort in that central defensive midfield position.
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Interestingly, in weeks building up to the tie, there has been talk about how he could solve Chiefs’ problems in that department.
Amakhosi are yet to find the perfect replacement for Njabulo Blom, who was beginning to blossom when MLS side St Louis City snapped him up.
Zwane has played Samkelo Zwane and Siyethemba Sithebe, but it is clear that they are not solving their problems in midfield.
Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has explained Mthethwa’s role, which clearly shows how much he would be an excellent signing for Chiefs as they look to rekindle the glory days.
Barker fell short of saying Mthethwa is the glue that holds his Stellies team together.
“I think Sibongiseni Mthethwa has been integral to the way we do things here. He has had a very good season. He’s consistent week in, week out,” said Barker in a recent press conference.
“He gives us that sort of steel and energy in midfield. He has the ability to progress the ball.”
FootballSA tweeted: “The new Tinashe Nengomasha. Modern football seemed to have outdated ball-winning 6s in favour of 6s who also do no.8 duties. Sibongiseni Mthethwa has proven that it is not necessary if you master interceptions/tackles/anticipation. A specialist.”
Mthethwa has been a vital cog for the Capetonians this season in the DStv Premiership and the Nedbank Cup.
The man, nicknamed ‘Ox’, has made 26 appearances in all competitions and provided one assist.
Unfortunately, the former Black Leopards anchorman missed the Stellies clash against Chiefs, which they lost 2-1 at FNB recently. He was serving a suspension.