Coming back home to the PSL from a stint in Europe has its challenges and Kobamelo Kodisang has found himself having to wait his turn instead of immediately breaking into the team at Mamelodi Sundowns, where it's not always a walk in the park to make the starting line-up.
Kodisang made the surprising decision to return home from Portugal, where he was a regular at Primeira Liga club Moreirense. Of course, Kodisang is no stranger to the PSL, having broken through as a teenager at Platinum Stars under the tutelage of Cavin Johnson, before making a move to Bidvest Wits.
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A few years in Europe saw him playing for Sanjoanense, Braga, Braga B and Moreirense, where he gained valuable experience. Despite some good performances, especially at Moreirense, Kodisang was unable to break into the Bafana Bafana squad and one of the reasons he moved back home, the Siya crew understands, was to be closer to where national team coach Hugo Broos can see him.
With the FIFA Club World Cup coming in 2026, there is also an opportunity to catch the attention of European scouts, as the door to go back is still open.
Since the start of the campaign, Kodisang has made four appearances in all competitions, three of them as a substitute. He's featured just once in the Betway Premiership, coming on for the final 30 minutes against Polokwane City. He has one goal, which came in the CAF Champions League qualifying rounds against Mbabane Swallows.
"I think he is adapting quite well. It's just that it's a difficult environment. When he got a few opportunities, I was happy with him. We gave him an opportunity against Mbabane, and he scored and had an assist. We gave him a chance against Polokwane City and I think he played quite well. I think he is close to really establishing himself in the PSL. He is a very good football player. We brought him because we know what he is capable of. It's just that it's quite tough. Our environment is not very easy for players to break in and it's worse when we are playing these official matches that are challenging so much," Mngqithi said to media after their 3-0 victory over Cape Town City on Wednesday evening.
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"I am hopeful he will get an opportunity soon and stamp his authority because the good thing now is that he is finding himself in and around the matchday squad, which is very good. I am optimistic he is going to help us as the season progresses. He's got a lot of good attributes as a player and we are hoping those attributes can help us when we need them the most."
The former junior international will have his fingers crossed that he gets an opportunity in the big Carling Knockout quarter-final clash against Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium tomorrow.
By Tshepang Mailwane
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