Chiefs legend weighs in on Bafana left-back debate

Ex-Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs legend Tsepo Masilela weighs in on the debate regarding left-backs for coach Hugo Broos.

Masilela is currently clubless after leaving AmaZulu and says he believes Terrence Mashego and Paseka Mako have the best chances to occupy the position.

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While Mako remains injured at Orlando Pirates, Masilela feels Mashego has a chance as he has been in the Bafana set up before joining Mamelodi Sundowns.

As things stand, Broos seems to prefer Aubrey Modiba on the left of his Bafana defence and this comes as innocent Maela remains sidelined owing to injury.

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CHIEFS LEGEND WEIGHS IN ON BAFANA LEFT-BACK DEBATE

The 2010 FIFA World Cup campaigner with Bafana, Masilela made the position his own under several coaches such as Pitso Mosimane, Gordon Igesund, and Carlos Alberto Pareira.

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While some argue that there is a shortage of left-backs in Mzansi, Masilela feels there is no need to press panic buttons just yet.

At the same time, the debate is fuelled by the fact that experienced players such as Sifiso Hlanti and injury-prone Innocent Maela, who’s Masilela’s half-brother, are already over 30.

“We’ve got options but it depends on the coach. The game requires players that fit in the coach’s philosophy,” Masilela told Sowetan

“Sometimes you can have a left-back who likes to surge forward and the coach wants the left-back who only goes forward when he has the ball.”

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In the recent FIFA international break, Broos relied on Modiba who is mostly used in different positions at his club by Rulani Mokwena.

Boasting 46 international caps in Bafana colours, Masilela is yet to retire but considering his age, 38, he might call it a day anytime soon.

MASILELA NAMES PREFERRED LEFT-BACK CHOICES FOR BAFANA

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In addition, the seasoned left-back adds that the likes of Bongani Sam could also be a suitable option considering that age is still on his side.

“I really think we have enough players at left-back to help us in the future,” adds the Chiefs legend.

“Mashego was already in the set-up before he joined Sundowns [from Cape Town City in September last year] and I really believe in his potential.

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“I think he’s one for the future alongside Sam. Those are two talented left-backs who’ve experience but who are also not that old. [Paseka] Pako as well can take the baton.”