Mkhwanazi to shoot straight versus Arrows

IN A star-studded team where even big names are struggling to find regular game time, young midfielder Buhle Mkhwanazi appears to have found a place at the heart of the Mamelodi Sundowns midfield.

So far this season Mkhwanazi has been one of the few new acquisitions who coach Antonio Lopez Habas has afforded a chance to strut his stuff on the pitch.

In the games Mkhwanazi produced good performances.

It is for the reason that 20-yearold Mkhwanazi is confident that the Brazilians will win when they clash with Golden Arrows in Chatsworth in Durban tomorrow afternoon.

The midfield anchor, who was promoted from the club’s development ranks at the beginning of the season, is thrilled to be playing regularly while some big names are kicking their heels on the bench.

“I think hard work is paying off for me. My confidence is high because I feel it is my position. I am welcomed and people are relying on me and obviously I have to help them,” says the man from Bloemfontein.

Mkhwanazi is eager to put in the extra effort to lift his game and get more recognition.

“So far I haven’t been at my best but one of my goals is to catch the attention of the national selectors. So obviously I have to work hard in every game.

“I want to attack as often as possible and score important goals. I would like to open my account,” said Mkhwanazi.

Sundowns are at the top of he played, consistently

the Premier League table with 21 points and Arrows third with 17.

“It’s going to be a tough game. Arrows are obviously motivated because they are playing against a big team. Given their position on the log, they think they can get points. We also think we can do well. If we follow the plan of the coach and play to his instructions, we can win,” said Mkhwanazi.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic and Wits youth player is expecting Arrows to take the game to Downs.

“One way or the other they are going to give their all. So it will be easy for us to get them on the counter-attacks and hurt them.

“They are going to come at us, but we are equally dangerous when attacking. Arrows play carpet football but I think our coach has a plan for them.

Their football is good, but we can beat them,” said the School of Excellence graduate, who added that the five-times PSL champions ought to collect the nine points on offer to them in their remaining three games before the Christmas break.

“It’s nice being at the top, but we mustn’t relax.”