Linda Mntambo names former Wits midfielder Faty Papy as toughest PSL opponent

Linda Mntambo says former Burundi international Faty Papy was the hardest player he faced during his 13-year professional career in South Africa.

The recently retired former Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United midfielder made the admission in an exclusive interview with KickOff, highlighting Papy’s energy, movement and ability to influence matches from different areas of the pitch.

Papy moved to South Africa in 2012 after joining Wits from Turkish club Trabzonspor. During a successful four-year spell with the Clever Boys, he developed a reputation as one of the Premier Soccer League’s most accomplished box-to-box midfielders.

Mntambo, who also represented Jomo Cosmos and Chippa United before spending four years at Orlando Pirates and later captaining Sekhukhune United, said Papy presented a unique tactical challenge.

“Mamela(Listen), that guy was so good. He was from Burundi. I think that was the most difficult opponent I have ever faced,” Mntambo revealed of his toughest opponent.

“What people don’t understand [is that] the toughest midfielders to play against are the midfielders that don’t only play with the ball at their feet; they are midfielders that break the line, box-to-box midfielders. You don’t know how to mark this person with the ball, and you have to mark this person without the ball.

“He used to run the midfield. You would not know whether to press or give him space. He could peel off and run. He was unpredictable. He also mastered two-touch football: Scan, receive and pass,” explained ‘Figo’.

Papy’s career was later overshadowed by serious concerns about his health. The midfielder became known for refusing medical advice linked to a life-threatening heart condition.

He collapsed during a friendly match in December 2015, but allegedly rejected recommendations that he should retire or undergo heart surgery. Wits eventually released him because of the significant risks associated with his condition.

On 25 April 2019, Papy suffered a fatal collapse while playing for Malanti Chiefs in Eswatini. The 28-year-old fell just 15 minutes into the match and died.

Mntambo’s own career followed a different path but was also highly respected in the domestic game. He initially established himself at Jomo Cosmos, earning a move to Chippa United before his performances attracted the attention of Orlando Pirates.

After his time with Pirates, he joined Sekhukhune United and went on to captain Babina Noko before announcing his retirement.

There were notable similarities between Mntambo’s approach and the style he admired in Papy. The South African was valued for his work rate and tactical adaptability, regularly moving between a deeper playmaking role and a more advanced midfield position.

His strengths included accurate passing, well-timed runs into the penalty area and the ability to score spectacular goals from distance. He retired regarded as one of the technically gifted midfielders of his generation, while continuing to cite Papy as the opponent who tested him most.