Mntambo: Chiefs Have Found A Gem In Mokwana As Former Teammate Reveals What Makes Him Special

Kaizer Chiefs supporters have received another encouraging assessment of new signing Elias Mokwana, with former teammate Linda Mntambo expressing confidence that the Bafana Bafana international possesses the qualities needed to make a significant impact at Naturena.

Mokwana's arrival at Amakhosi has generated considerable excitement among supporters who are hoping that the experienced winger can bring creativity, pace and a much-needed attacking threat to the team's forward line. However, according to Mntambo, there is another important quality that makes the 27-year-old an exciting addition: his ability to create opportunities for teammates.

Speaking on The CARWASH Podcast, as reported by Soccer Laduma's Delmain Faver, Mntambo shared his experience of playing alongside Mokwana during their time at Sekhukhune United.

The former Sekhukhune midfielder explained that Mokwana was not simply interested in making individual contributions or attracting attention through his attacking performances. Instead, he consistently demonstrated an understanding of how to bring other players into dangerous positions.

Mntambo recalled how the winger regularly delivered cutbacks whenever he made attacking runs towards the penalty area.

“When I was at Sekhukhune, I would never make the box and not get a cutback from a Mokwana. So more than him getting the shine, he is a player that can also serve. And I think Kaizer Chiefs have found themselves a gem in that position,” Mntambo explained.

Those comments highlight an important aspect of Mokwana's playing style. While supporters naturally associate wingers with speed, dribbling and individual brilliance, the ability to create opportunities for teammates is equally valuable in modern football.

For Chiefs, this could prove particularly important as the club continues working towards improving its attacking efficiency.

The Soweto giants have experienced difficulties converting opportunities into goals, and introducing a winger capable of delivering dangerous passes into the penalty area could provide additional solutions for the coaching department.

Mokwana's ability to operate in wide attacking positions also gives the technical team another option when constructing the team's attacking combinations.

Mntambo Reveals The Quality That Could Take Mokwana Far

Beyond his footballing abilities, Mntambo also highlighted Mokwana's attitude towards learning and improving.

According to the former teammate, the winger possesses an important characteristic that could help him succeed at a demanding club like Kaizer Chiefs: coachability.

Mntambo described him as someone who listens carefully, absorbs information and remains willing to learn from those around him.

“One thing about him is that he's coachable. He's a sponge. He can absorb, he can listen. And that's what's going to take him far,” he added.

This assessment could be particularly encouraging for the Chiefs technical team.

Joining a club with the expectations and pressure associated with Amakhosi requires more than technical ability. Players must also demonstrate discipline, patience and a willingness to adapt to different tactical instructions.

Mokwana's reported willingness to learn could therefore become an important advantage as he settles into his new environment.

A New Opportunity At Naturena

The 27-year-old returns to South African football after gaining valuable experience abroad.

Before joining Chiefs, Mokwana represented Sekhukhune United, where his performances attracted attention and eventually earned him an opportunity to play for Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis.

He subsequently spent time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hazem, gaining further experience in competitive football outside South Africa.

Kaizer Chiefs officially announced his signing on 4 November 2026, adding another experienced attacking option to their squad.

However, head coach Fernando Da Cruz has indicated that the club intends to integrate the winger gradually because he did not have a full pre-season.

The upcoming international break was identified as an important opportunity for the technical team to work on his fitness and familiarise him with the club's playing philosophy.

Consequently, supporters may need to exercise patience before seeing the winger fully established in the Amakhosi starting eleven.

Can Mokwana Become A Difference-Maker For Chiefs?

Mntambo's endorsement has provided Chiefs supporters with another reason to look forward to Mokwana's contribution.

His ability to create opportunities, combine with teammates and remain receptive to coaching could make him a valuable addition to the squad.

More importantly, Chiefs need attacking players who understand that football is a collective effort rather than an individual performance.

If Mokwana can reproduce the qualities Mntambo witnessed at Sekhukhune United, he could become an important creative outlet for the Soweto giants.

Ultimately, his performances on the pitch will determine how successful the move becomes. Nevertheless, the early assessment from someone who previously shared a dressing room with him paints an encouraging picture.

For Amakhosi supporters, the hope is that Mokwana will turn that promise into consistent performances and help restore the attacking threat that the club has been searching for.

Source:

https://x.com/ChiefsCentralZA/status/2121276150504694137