Khumalo backs Mthethwa to silence Kaizer Chiefs critics after Sundowns draw

Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has praised Sibongiseni Mthethwa after the midfielder played a key role in the Amakhosi’s 1-1 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium.

The result allowed Kaizer Chiefs to remain top of the Betway Premiership table after a competitive meeting with Masandawana on Sunday.

New signing Lalangelihle Phili gave the Soweto giants the lead in the first half, but Mamelodi Sundowns secured a share of the points when returning forward Cassius Mailula equalised.

Speaking during SABC Sport’s review of the match, Khumalo highlighted Mthethwa’s influence in the centre of the pitch. The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder said the 30-year-old’s performance had helped create greater freedom for some of the club’s other attacking players.

“He made a lot of difference in that midfield, and I just hope and pray that in the next coming weeks he can keep the very same form,” Khumalo said.

Mthethwa’s display came after he had faced criticism from some sections of the Kaizer Chiefs support. Khumalo acknowledged that the midfielder had produced below-par performances in the past, but argued that his contribution against the league leaders demonstrated his value to the side.

“When you have a player like that, it frees up players like [Mfundo] Vilakazi, [Mduduzi] Shabalala.

“To be honest, they (critics) always say he is the wrong one for Kaizer Chiefs. Yes, maybe he had some bad games, but today he made a lot of difference in that midfield.

“Look at the fouls he drew and managed to get for Kaizer Chiefs,” he went on.

The draw preserved both clubs’ unbeaten starts to the new season. Kaizer Chiefs have collected two wins and one draw from their opening three matches, while Mamelodi Sundowns have one victory and one draw from two games.

For Kaizer Chiefs, attention now turns to another away fixture. The men in Gold and Black will travel to Durban next Wednesday to face Richards Bay FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

That match will give Mthethwa another opportunity to build on the performance that earned him public backing from one of Kaizer Chiefs’ most distinguished former players. Khumalo’s comments also underlined the importance of the midfielder maintaining that level of form in the weeks ahead as the Amakhosi seek to protect their position at the top of the Betway Premiership table.