Mthombeni shines in official debut

Posted: 2009-11-23 10:51

Orlando Pirates defender Mzondi Mthombeni is now ready to double his efforts at both training and in games after being given his official debut in Bucs’ colours during the Absa Premiership match against Ajax Cape Town played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Mthombeni was called up by coach Ruud Krol to fill the left back position left vacant by injured Lucas Thwala.

Thwala missed Bucs 3-0 victory over the Urban Warriors after picking up an injury whilst on international duty with Bafana Bafana last week.

Krol shifted Lucky Lekgwathi to central defence and left the former FC AK defender operating at left back where he did well to neutralise the likes of Ajax’s Thulani Serero, George Maluleka and Diyo Sibisi.

Speaking to KickOff.com, Mthombeni says even though he played the full 90 minutes he still has a lot to do to improve if he wants to retain his jersey.

“I don’t know when I last played competitive football. It could be as far back January this year if I am not mistaken.

“It was nice to be back in action and being made to sweat to win my first official game for Pirates. I think I did well under the circumstances of not playing for long time and being part of such a big game against Ajax.

“The presence of the senior guys and the encouragement I got from Lucky Lekgwathi made my job easier. I don’t think I struggled a lot in terms of match fitness, but I was lacking in confidence. Hopefully that will increase as I play more games.”

With Phenyo Mongalo and Mzondi Mthombeni outstanding against Ajax on Saturday in absence of Lucas Thwala and Teko Modise, it remains to be seen if Krol will change his winning combination when the Mighty Buccaneers visit Tshwane for the Absa Premiership game against Mamelodi Sundowns at Super Stadium on Wednesday.

Mongalo, who has been in good form since making his debut for Bucs in the League game against Maritzburg United a few weeks ago, scored against the Urban Warriors at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Ernest Fakude

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Recent Comments: 13

I HATE PIRATES CAPTAIN: 2009-11-23 11:03

I have been calling for Krol to rest uLucky for this boy. Lucky is just lucky to be on a team, I wonder why because he is the weakest link at Pirates him with uJele. Jele only knows how to mark Cale, he struggles in most matches. Let's get Sangweni so that he plays central defence with Thwala, so Mahamutsa can be on the right back and Mthombeni on the left, period.

Soccer Critic ( Tivani ): 2009-11-23 11:08

I HATE PIRATES CAPTAIN:

****Good opinion!! keep it!!! Mthombani on the left, Mahamutsa on the right.

Bonga: 2009-11-23 11:28

Phenyo is the natural left winger and must compete with Chenene on the left wing. Teko must be rested for a while. I know this will help him improve his game although it will dent his hopeful move to Europe and may cost him his place in BB.

Nastymoss: 2009-11-23 11:31

Proudly South African .. not the likes of Swesweswe, Musono, Jumbo etc ...

shapa tse ntsho shapaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Nastymoss: 2009-11-23 11:32

I'm waiting for a stupid comment from a moron called SIBUSISO ....

Typical chips fan .. khosikazi .. kaizer *****iefs fan ...

Fuze: 2009-11-23 11:39

Krol should know that he must not wait for 3-0 score before resting other players or to give other players game time. Even a score of 1-0 towards the end of the game is a adequate to give other players a chance as he will not always be lucky to introduce players like Mthombeni and they perform well without having game time.

Dikotsi: 2009-11-23 12:21

Nastymoss: 2009-11-23 11:31

Proudly South African .. not the likes of Swesweswe, Musono, Jumbo etc ...

I don think Sibusiso will comment when you make a fool out of yourself..like a typical well schooled and level headed Khosi fan. just enjoy your stupid moment alone and leave Amakhosi out of it....
Back to the topic, i also agree that Kroll and other coaches, especially foreign ones should give these boys a chance too. Pirates ha been doing well in this regard. os far so good for mabhakabhaka...

Jomo: 2009-11-23 12:31

Dikotsi

Since when Sibusiso appointed you to be his spokesperson?

Dont you dare call Pirates win a stupid moment. Nxaaa.

Khaya: 2009-11-23 12:50

Let this boy continue to get a starting line up and rest the likes of Lucky Lekgwathi and Happy Jele. Its high time that the Pirates start to collect the points if they want to win the league championship trophy.

Edwin: 2009-11-23 12:51

You had a wonderful game mfana, I would like to wish all the best and hold on to that position.

WekwaChoga: 2009-11-23 13:12

My heart bleeds everytime I read xenophobic comments on this forum ... soccer is supposed to be a unifying force across all nations, religions, tribes. Please refrain from using this forum to express your distructive comments. AFRICA UNITE!!! I wonder where S.A would be today had africa not fought for end to apartheid....

SIBUSISO: 2009-11-23 13:47

Nastymoss: 2009-11-23 11:32

You sound like you have been smoking paint over the weekend...Look here you ""ever worried fan""", we at chiefs love and support who ever plays for our team. It doesn't matter where they come from.

You are so obsessed with chiefs and the fans. What is this topic has to do with Sweswe and Jambo.....you should be saying praise for this young man Mthombeni who had a good game and stop worrying about our players

If you were asking for attention, sorry not from me and sorry I'm not gay....ASK KING MAYBE HE WILL HELP YOU.....hehehehehe!!!!!

klaas: 2009-11-23 16:58

Mthombeni if you have the phone number for mark mayambela please phone him and advise him of your experience with the bench at Pirate cause he is coming to he same route and we will have another Manqoba Ngwenya, vilakazi, zuma and Lungisana Ndlela and the boy had bright future with celtics where he excel now he is heading to JHB to warm the bench with the rest or if mayambela does not believe you let him phone Gordon Gilbert from swallows will also share the experience.

klaas skosana - vezubuhle