Orlando Pirates loanee Jabu Mokone backed to shine at Midlands Wanderers

Midlands Wanderers coach Vincent Myeni has told Orlando Pirates loanee Jabu Mokone that he is “not a reject” after the defender impressed in his side’s 2-0 victory over University of Pretoria in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Mokone, who is spending another season away from the Buccaneers, was one of Midlands’ outstanding performers in Saturday afternoon’s win. He helped keep the AmaTuks wingers quiet throughout the match as his team recovered from a disappointing opening-day defeat by Magesi FC.

The move to Midlands represents another opportunity for Mokone to develop his game in senior professional football. The player spent last season on loan at Upington City and is now hoping to establish himself during a second successive campaign away from Orlando Pirates.

Myeni believes the defender’s ability has not always been recognised and says his priority is to help Mokone build confidence while adding greater maturity to his performances.

“I always say some of these boys, because I am working with them, football has not been fair to them and maybe us as coaches have not appreciated the talent they have. I think he is a very good and well talented player and I told him that ‘boy, you are not a reject. If maybe others felt that you are not useful, to me yo are useful’. For us, it’s to build his confidence in the game, but also I want maturity in the game,” Myeni said after the clash against AmaTuks.

The coach also rejected the suggestion that Mokone’s height should count against him as a defender. Instead, Myeni said the player’s technical quality, tactical understanding and pace were more important attributes.

“I am trying slowly to get out certain elements because we are in a competitive division. I think he has the potential. People want to undermine him based on his height, but they need his technical ability, his tactical ability. You know, we’ve seen world class defenders. I can talk about Phillip Lahm and Dani Alves. They were not tall defenders, but they were intelligent and nippy like Jabu. I appreciate him and I think he is one of the best defenders in the league.”

The result against University of Pretoria was particularly valuable for Midlands after they began the season with a home loss to Magesi FC. Saturday’s performance provided an immediate response and offered Mokone a personal boost as he seeks regular football and continued progress during his loan spell.

Midlands will now attempt to build on the victory when they travel to face Real Native FC on Friday. The match will be played at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, with Mokone expected to aim for another assured display as he continues his development away from Orlando Pirates.