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Cape Town - Shakes Mashaba’s selection of Thamsanqa Gabuza raised more than just a few eyebrows a few weeks ago but has done more than enough to justify it and he believes that his qualities have filled a tactical niche in the side.
Gabuza told Sport24 that his aerial strength has meant that Itumeleng Khune’s unique ability to make long but highly accurate passes can be exploited.
“Itumeleng Khune gave me some advice, he said: Gabuza you are doing well and you giving me another option when I have the ball,” the striker said.
“I am running into spaces and opening the defence.”
Khune is often said to be one of the best ball distributing 'keepers in the country and with Gabuza’s presence up front it has definitely given Bafana a different dimension.
Gabuza admits he enjoys working with a second striker in close vicinity as he has the qualities to set up goals for them.
“Nthsangase is like Kermit (Erasmus), they comes close to me to pick up the second ball.
“It is much better for me because I am tall, I have strength and I am going to fight to win the ball in the air and those guys can continue to work around me.”
The energetic striker has also shown to have a great first touch which has brought players like Ntshangase and Masango into the game in dangerous areas for Bafana recently.
