In this week's Friday debate, three former footballers spoke to Soccer Laduma about who they prefer in the right back position for Bafana Bafana, with many questioning why Nyiko Mobbie was selected ahead of Khuliso Mudau.
Mobbie has made 22 appearances for Sekhukhune United this season, while Mudau is on 28 appearances in all competitions for Sundowns. Both defenders have one assist, with Mudau contributing with one goal for Masandawana. Soccer Laduma spoke to three former footballers to talk about who they would prefer in the position.
'This thing makes me angry'
John Tlale - former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper
This is something that we should not even debate. Sundowns have been doing well on the continent and if the coach wants to survive or achieve his goals, he must take away his pride. When Spain won the FIFA World Cup in 2010, they had players from Barcelona and Real Madrid. It's the same as when Egypt were winning. They had players from Al Ahly who were doing well in Africa. Here at home, you have someone who does not want to select 12 or 15 players from one club. Mudau is doing well and you can't even question that. You can't even compare the two. With due respect, Mobbie is not a bad player, but you take players who can give you results and who know what to expect. Some of the things you don't even have to debate, but the coach has his reasons. I am just saying if you have to take 12 or 15 players from Sundowns because they are doing well, then so be it. There is nothing wrong with that. The situation explains itself. Sundowns is dominating and you can't run away from that. What we want is results. Nothing else. I am not saying he should drop Mobbie. He can have him as a substitute because he has been there. At the end of the day, the truth has to be spoken. This thing makes me angry.
'That's not how it should be'
Andrew Rabutla - former Jomo Cosmos and Bafana Bafana defender
But come on guys! Just because Mudau plays for a big team? It does not work like that. Remember we have a coach who looks at the qualities of all the players, not because you play for Sundowns. Mobbie deserves to play there and he has been there in the national team. You can't say because the one guy plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and you start comparing? I don't think that's a good idea. We played for the national team and we were playing for Cosmos, so why don't you give players from other teams a chance? Mudau is playing for Sundowns, but if you check the basics for a right, you'd find that the coach sees something in Mobbie. This is a debate, but I don't think it's fair what we are doing is fair and we contradict ourselves as South Africans because sometimes we complain that players from other clubs don't get a chance. Remember, the coach is selecting the players according to his beliefs. He knows both players. The issue of Mudau is because he is playing well and that he is playing for Sundowns. Come on guys. It's not fair. Can you imagine if this boy hears these things? Then it will feel like the only way he can play for the national team is if he plays for Sundowns. That's not how it should be.
'The boy is on top of his game'
Isaac Mabotsa - former Kaizer Chiefs right back
At the moment, I would go for Mudau. I know the coach has been preferring to use Mobbie and that's because he was performing. At the time Mobbie was being selected, Mudau had just arrived at Sundowns and he was still adjusting to life there. But, at the moment, I prefer Mudau because the boy is on top of his game and he is playing in the CAF Champions League. Mudau has everything for a full back. He has the stamina and he is good in one-versus-one situations. He helps in attack and he is comfortable on the ball. For me, he has everything. They are two different players. Mudau is someone who gives you that extra attacking option, but he can still come back to defend. Mobbie is someone who is there to keep the shape at the back.
