Head coach Hugo Broos has praised Sekhukhune United's Nyiko Mobbie after defending the right-back's selection in his recent 23-man Bafana Bafana squad to face Mozambique and Angola.
Nyiko Mobbie joined Sekhukhune on a permanent deal from Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the season following a successful loan spell with Babina Noko.
The 28-year-old has missed just two of Sekhukhune United's 12 matches this season.
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Although his side is level on points with bottom-of-the-table Maritzburg United, Broos insisted the defender remains reliable.
"Mobbie has never let me down since I got here, That's why I still pick him," the Belgian coach explained.
"Maybe he had a bad game against France but so did everyone and also he had no cover."
Mobbie was also part of the Bafana Bafana for friendlies against Sierra Leone and Botswana in September. He played the full 90 minutes as Broos' side demolished Sierra Leone 4-0 at the FNB Stadium.
The ex-Sundowns man was picked ahead of The Brazilians right-back Khuliso Madau, with the Belgian coach citing a drop in form.
"For me Mudau ha a dropped a little bit at Sundowns. He's not at the same level," explained Broos.
Mobbie, however, still faces stiff competition in the Bafana Bafana backline with Thapelo Morena, Grant Kekana and Siyanda Xulu all able to play the right-back position.
Other players who narrowly missed out on the final selection are Ricardo Goss, Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Yusuf Maart, Pule Mmodi and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Broos' charges will take on Mozambique on Thursday, 17 November at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga before locking horns with Angola three days later, on Sunday, 20 November at the same venue.
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