• Downs players dominate the SA national team
• But Bucs had Mbatha and Mofokeng impressing
• Maela feels Mbatha and Mofokeng have a future 

WHAT HAPPENED?

Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng had a memorable outing in Bafana Bafana colours during the just-ended Fifa international window.

Mbatha rescued South Africa with an equalising goal in the 2-2 draw with Uganda, before grabbing the winner in the 3-2 victory away in South Sudan.

Mofokeng came on as a substitute in both games and shook defenders.

WHAT MAELA SAID

“We’re so proud of them, really, to them, it’s only the beginning, they can look forward now with confidence and belief that they belong in that space,” Maela said as per iDiski Times.

“And yeah they just need to keep on improving, stay humble and hopefully they get to achieve many more caps and achieve big, big things with the national team.

“I’ve always said international matches help a lot, you grow as a player, you grow as a person but also you now start to look after yourself more, you play more matches, and the fatigue gets more.” 

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbatha and Mofokeng showed that PPiratesplayers are making an impact in the South Africa national team dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns players. 

The Buccaneers had five players in the last Bafana camp with goalkeeper Sipho Chaine making his debut against South Sudan while Nkosinathi Sibisi and Patrick Maswanganyi were unused substitutes.

Sundowns provided seven players to Hugo Broos' squad as Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley started both games.

WHAT NEXT?

Pirates are participating in the Caf Champions League in which Mbatha and Mofokeng will fight to prove themselves after being key in recent games.

Champions League games will help the two maintain their national team spots.