Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena on why Sphelele Mkhulise is a modern-day football star. Image: (@MamelodiSundowns)
Mokwena on why Mkhulise is a complete modern star
Rulani Mokwena argues and praises Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise as a complete modern-day star.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena on why Sphelele Mkhulise is a modern-day football star. Image: (@MamelodiSundowns)
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena praises midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise as a complete modern-day football star.
Due to his versatility to play various roles in midfield, Mokwena says the nippy Sundowns star is complete.
As one of the underrated stars in Mzansi, Mkhulise always delivers for coach Mokwena and he sings his praises.
ALSO READ I Klate reflects on lessons from Sundowns drubbing
The astute Sundowns manager, Mokwena argues that Mkhulise can fill different roles and points out his best role.
According to The Citizen, this could be the reason why Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos overlooks Mkhulise.
MOKWENA ON WHAT IS MKHULISE’S BEST ROLE IN MODERN FOOTBALL
Mokwena says the Sundowns development star, Mkhulise can play as a number six, eight, and 10, meaning he is a modern player.
“I think we’re fortunate because Pitso has an understanding of all the positions in midfield,” says Mokwena about Mkhulise’s roles.
“We have played him as a 6 in a deeper position and he’s very comfortable with that.
“Even in the Champions League games he has played as a 6 and we have also played him as an 8.
“I think he’s a lot more comfortable in that role because he has the legs and the dynamism to be able to operate in different lines.
“When you’re an 8, you have to operate in the line of a 6 and sometimes in the line of a 10.
“And maybe even operate in the areas where you’ll find fullbacks that invert.
“So I think he has a profile on an 8. I think he specialises there but he’s a player that can play as a 10 also.
“He has played as a false 9 also which is a position I think he can play had we done more training at an earlier age.
“I think he would be an excellent 9.”
WILL MKHULISE BE KEY FOR MOKWENA IN MAURITANIA?
The nippy 28-year-old star, Mkhulise started against Orlando Pirates last week but was rested in the Nedbank Cup on Tuesday.
However, Mokwena will count on Mkhulise against Nouadhibou in the CAF Champions League in the absence of Themba Zwane.
“What helps Mkhulise a lot is that he sees football actions a little bit faster,” adds Mokwena about the modern Mkhulise.
“Because he has played street football in rural areas where they play football for hours every day.
“I think that type of background has helped him a lot.
“So it’s difficult to say what position he plays because I have seen him play so many positions.
“Against TS Galaxy when we had extra time and we were one man down.
“I asked Mkhulise to play at centre-back and he played very well because he has very good football brains.”
