Why ‘fighter’ Ox Mthethwa deserves the Bafana call-up

Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker has described midfielder Sibongiseni ‘Ox’ Mthethwa as a fighter whose call-up will benefit Bafana Bafana immensely.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos have called up Mthethwa into the squad that will face Botswana and Sierra Leone later this month in international friendlies in Soweto.

The 27-year-old has fitted like a hand in glove in the Stellies set-up and has become a vital member of the team since joining from Black Leopards in 2021.

Both matches will be played at FNB Stadium on 24 and 27 September at 15:00.

BARKER EXPLAINS WHY…

“Yeah, it’s Well deserved. He has worked very hard the last six months of last season as well as this season,” Barker told the media after the 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United in Polokwane on Saturday evening.

“He is just really energetic, breaks down a lot of attacks. Covers, presses, make good recovery runs and he is decent on the ball. He is a character; he is a winner and these are the type of players I believe Bafana can benefit from.

“I think he is the type of player that can fit anywhere just because of his character and his commitment. He has a specific role in our team and he carries out that role well,” said Barker.

“We have also given him confidence and he get more of the ball than he used to and he is showing that he is also comfortable on the ball so yeah he would fit anywhere, in my opinion.”

Mthethwa started his professional career at Royal Eagles during the 2019/20 season. He only featured for the Club in the six matches that were played in a bio-bubble in Gauteng.

Following Eagle’s relegation to the ABC Motsepe League Mthethwa was spotted by Black Leopards.

He spent the 2020/21 season at Lidoda Duvha and was part of the squad that got relegated from the DStv Premiership at the end of the same season.

After interest from various clubs, Stellenbosch won the race for his signature and lured him during the January transfer window period in 2021.