Richards Bay coach Vasili Manousakis has compared the young and stylish midfielder Mpho Mathebula to former Bafana Bafana attacking midfielder Teko Modise.
Although they are not similar players in terms of style of play, Manousakis said Mathebula is “the most accomplished footballer I have seen for a long time” and his game has some resemblance to Modise, who he coached at Cape Town City when he was the assistant to Benni McCarthy.
Mathebula suffered an injury in October last year and only returned when the second half of the season resumed post the FIFA World Cup.
His return came at the right time as the club needed him most in the central midfield role, following the sad passing of Sphamandla Mtolo.
As short Mathebula as he is, he has the heart of a lion. He was good in reading the game in the 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night. The draw against the struggling side ended Bay’s eight-game losing streak in all competitions.
“Mpho is a genius, a gem and he is one of the finds this season,” said Manousakis.
“There are many others in the team, but this kid is unbelievable – the most accomplished footballer I have ever seen in a long time.
“You have to remember I coached Teko Modise at Cape Town City, there are a few elements of him inside there, not just his technical ability, but his ability to read the game, it’s phenomenal.
“I love that kid and all of them, but this boy is phenomenal.”
Another player who has been a great find for Bay this season is Sanele Barns, who scored the opening goal for Bay against the Team of Choice, gliding past a few defenders before unleashing a powerful shot past King Ndlovu.
However, the visitors failed to hold onto the lead, with Genito Palace equalizing late for Maritzburg, with the Ugandan Magoola at fault for letting the ball slip through his buttered fingers to bring the nervy crown back to life.
Manousakis said he will not blame Magoola because he has bailed his team many times and they should have dealt with the cross better.
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“What do you do when he has made some good saves and kept you in the game when you have your back against the ropes? I won’t blame him,” said Manousakis, whose side has not won since January.
“I’m a bit upset by the fact the cross came in and we didn’t put too much pressure on the ball. But it happens in football, but that is Maritzburg for you because they are fighting until the end.”
Following the draw, Bay is now lying 10th in the DStv Premiership with 32 points after 26 matches. They are without a win in 11 matches in all competitions.
They next visit the 2022/23 league champions Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday.
