Steve Komphela has hailed goalkeeper Ismail Watenga, who delivered a Man of the Match performance in a goalless draw against parent side Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Brazilians were held to 0-0 draw by Abafana Bes’thende at Mpumalanga Stadium on Wednesday night.
READ | Rulani addresses questions over transfer plans
Despite going one man down when Mosa Lebusa was shown a red card early in the second half, Sundowns still dominated proceedings with 80% possession and 19 shots at goal, seven of which found the target and were only kept out by Wantenga, who is on a season-long loan from Sundowns.
Speaking to media after the match, Komphela was full of praise for the Ugandan shot-stopper.
"I think he has done so well that he deserves the next match unless injuries occur.
"I worked with Watenga when we were at Sundowns, I knew exactly his capabilities.
"When he arrived, we were all shocked that this guy is a top keeper, but he was up against Kennedy Mweene, Ronwen Williams, Reyaad Pieterse, there was Jody February. There were so many... even Ricardo Goss.
"But the shot-stopping that was there, we could see that this guy is a top keeper, which is what I saw today.
ALSO READ | Mokwena frustrated as another Downs key player suffers injury
"I’ve been here for two months. When I arrived, he had just come back from injury. I could see he was still weak and lacked confidence. Even in the previous match, he was not as confident.
"But what he is now compared to the last match and the last match [before that] is that he seems to be growing. This has only taken him to another level.
"And it’s good because these are his former employers, to show them that listen, you did not make a mistake by bringing me here.
Next up for Arrows is a clash against Chippa United on Sunday at Mpumalanga Stadium.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!
