The “Pretoria Pitbull,” Sphelele Mkhulise, is staying home. Despite a lack of consistent starting minutes in the star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns midfield, former teammate Siyanda Zwane has hailed the club’s decision to tie the 29-year-old down to a new multi-year deal as a tactical masterstroke.
The Detail Behind the Praise
- The “IQ” Factor: Zwane highlights Mkhulise’s unique ability to dismantle a “low-block” (defensive teams). In a league where most teams park the bus against Sundowns, Mkhulise’s “football IQ”—his knack for finding pockets of space and playing between the lines—makes him an invaluable asset.
- A Warning to Rivals: Zwane didn’t mince words, stating that Mkhulise would “walk into the starting line-ups” of both Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. By keeping him, Sundowns hasn’t just retained a loyal player; they’ve actively prevented their biggest rivals from gaining a game-changing playmaker.
- The New Deal: Mkhulise has signed a new two-year contract (with an option for a third), putting an end to rumors that Kaizer Chiefs were preparing a January raid to secure his services.
- Competition at Chloorkop: While Mkhulise faces stiff competition from the likes of Marcelo Allende, Zwane argues that “Losing a player of that caliber would be like shooting yourself in the foot.”
“He understands the spaces and pockets… He knows how to get opposition defenders out of their positions. He hardly loses possession and is technically elite.” — Siyanda Zwane on Mkhulise.
