An erstwhile Orlando Pirates marksman has hailed a Mamelodi Sundowns star for 'silencing the doubters' at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Sundowns suffered their first defeat at the global tournament when they fell 4-3 to German giants Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Their goals came courtesy of Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Iqraam Rayners and Lebogang Mothiba, the latter having come on as a substitute.
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For Mothiba, the goal was a first in the Yellow and Blue shirt and comes in just his third appearance since joining the Betway Premiership champions in February.
The towering striker's arrival has divided opinion, with some sections of supporters frustrated by his lengthy stay on the treatment table.
He made his debut during a defeat to the Pyramids FC of Egypt in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final.
Reviewing the match against Dortmund on SuperSport TV's Extra Time, Phumudzo Manendze praised the player for his resilience.
"They (Sundowns) started the game well, died off a little after conceding those two goals, but in the second 45, they really came back and represented the country well.
"I thought that some of the changes that the coach made [were good], [Kutlwano] Letlhaku coming in and getting an assist, and Mothiba got the goal as well.
"I love it when coaches go to the bench and they bring in players and they elevate the game to the next level, and that is what Mothiba did.
"There have been a lot of questions raised around him being introduced in a CAF Champions League final, to say: 'Coach, what did you see for you to be able to play this man?'
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"He proved to the coach that he continued to believe in him and rewarded him with a goal," said Manenze.
The Tshwane giants now have it all to do in the final group match, needing to get past Brazilian side Fluminense on Wednesday (21:00 SA time) to make it through to the Last 16.
Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns media
