Former Scotland player calls Bafana defender Olwetu Mahanyi a model of quality
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Former Scotland player calls Bafana defender Olwetu Mahanyi a model of quality

Former Scotland national team player Alan Hutton highly praised the performance of Rangers defender Olwetu Mahanyi following his impressive debut for 'Bafana Bafana' and his bright play in Scotland.

According to Alan Hutton, a former Scotland international, Olwetu Mahanyi is a defender of the highest level. Mahanyi played for 'Bafana Bafana' for the first time under the management of Pitso Mosimane last weekend during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea, which was held at Orlando Stadium with a score of 2-1.

The 22-year-old footballer demonstrated first-class play, partnering with Imeko Okon in defense. This was particularly important given that the renowned defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi could not participate in the match due to injury.

Hutton told IOL that 'Olwetu Mahanyi is a Rolls-Royce among defenders. He never looks like he is sweating.' The young player is currently attracting the attention of Scottish Premier League giants Rangers. Rangers signed Mahanyi in July, and he has already shown a series of outstanding performances that have not gone unnoticed.

Hutton added that, in his opinion, the player is constantly improving. 'I think he is on the rise. I would say that right now he is probably Rangers' best signing in terms of consistent quality that he demonstrates match after match.' He noted his high stability and excellent performance against Celtic, as well as his ability to play in a back three formation, which requires high precision in individual defense, and confidently attack by breaking through lines and making passes.

Hutton also hinted that despite the recent arrival of the South African star at Ibrox, he may soon attract the attention of bigger clubs. He concluded: 'The thing is, when you play at such a high level, you realize that other teams will naturally look at you. He has only just joined the club, but it feels like he will only get better. He has a fantastic start to his career at Rangers, and we hope he can continue in the same vein.'

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Mosimane highly praised Samukele Cabini's resilience and contribution in the Bafana Bafana versus Guinea match
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Mosimane highly praised Samukele Cabini's resilience and contribution in the Bafana Bafana versus Guinea match

Samukele Cabini demonstrated excellent play for Bafana Bafana, scoring the decisive goal in the match against Guinea. Following this, he received advice from teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi: 'Qina, ndoda!' (Get stronger, man), showing strong performance during the team's 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon.

Cabini came on as a substitute for Aubrey Modibe, who was struggling with an injury, and provided strong play on the left flank, scoring the winning goal as Bafana started their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home with a high start. His goal was executed decisively and accurately after he managed to find space, catch a pass, and powerfully strike a low shot past goalkeeper Soumaila Silla.

Before the goal, Cabini communicated with Pitso Mosimane on the field line. However, Mosimane, who managed his first game in the second half, declined to claim credit for the left-back's influence. He stated: 'I don't take credit for things like that because we coaches sometimes want to sound smart when a goal is scored,' adding that it was a conversation with the player, and he could not disclose details.

Cabini's impressive appearance for Bafana was his first since the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria late last year. In that game, he appeared nervous, losing possession and making clumsy tackles, which prompted defender Mbokazi to urge him to be more resilient against the massive and skilled Nigerians.

Mosimane noted that Cabini and Favaz Basadien could compensate for Aubrey Modibe's absence in the next two matches against Eritrea on Wednesday and Egypt on Sunday, October 4th, explaining why the first would be a replacement for Modibe. 'We have an overload of full-backs,' said Mosimane. 'Basadien is also available, but Cabini is playing at a good level. He needs a chance. Cabini is a big, strong guy. He is strong, and you can see that the Guinean players are also big and strong.'

After a difficult start to the game, where the team struggled against Aliou Baldé in the first half, Kamogelo Selebele managed to redeem himself by winning the Man of the Match award. Mosimane was pleased with Selebele's efforts. 'I was worried about Kamogelo Selebele, who is shorter, in corner kicks. But it was even. The players marking him were not very tall. He has the speed to challenge and win duels,' commented Mosimane.

He continued: 'In the first half, he had an opponent because this guy had many fouls. But he dealt with him and became Man of the Match. That is incredible. He played well. I think it shows that he is playing here and accustomed to international football.'

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