Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has explained why he believes Sphephelo Sithole is an unsung hero in the Bafana Bafana squad as South Africa progressed to the last 16 of the AFCON.
Needing just a point to progress to the knockout stages, South Africa was made to sweat by a Tunisia side in desperate need of a victory to stay alive in the continental showpiece.
As in two of Bafana’s opening matches in the AFCON, head coach Hugo Broos opted for a Sithole-Mokoena pairing in the middle of the park against Tunisia.
While Mokoena has drawn plenty of plaudits for his efforts over the group stages, his midfield partner has somewhat gone about his business unnoticed.
Speaking on SABC Sport after Wednesday’s match, Doctor Khumalo reserved special praise for Sithole.
"I’m so glad that we have found a Sithole, he is a maturing player," Khumalo said.
"Now we have a very matured player and now we have to secure him and show him the way, that this is the national team. He is so unbelievable!
"I know a lot of people don’t pay attention to him, but that’s our investment because now the likes of Mokoena don’t have to dig deep when defending because he is there.
"He is both attack and defence and even in transition.
Steve Komphela added: "Call him the invincible South African. When Bafana Bafana is in operation, he's not visible but take him out, that’s when you’ll notice.
"It’s true. The invincible South African, you’ll never see him. He is not a hero. But if you enter the dressing room, he’s the anchor.
"When a ship is by the harbour and held by the anchor, the wind will push but it won’t move and you won’t see the anchor. But remove the anchor? listen, your ship is leaving! That is Sithole."
Up next for Bafana is last 16 clash against Morocco to be played on Tuesday, 30 January. Kick-off is 22:00.
