Mbatha out to cement spot in Usuthu goal

Cape Town - After a superb showing last weekend against SuperSport United, Siyabonga Mbatha is hoping to hold onto the No.1 jersey at AmaZulu.

The Durban-based side have used three keepers this term in the league, with Boalefa Pule making the most starts (10), followed by Mbatha (five) and Energy Murambadoro (one).

The clean sheet Mbatha kept against SuperSport on Saturday enabled his side to run out 2-0 victors to climb out of the relegation zone.

He also saved a penalty from Aubrey Modiba and is now brimming with confidence ahead of Usuthu's league clash against Bloemfontein Celtic at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.

"Saving that penalty was a big confidence booster. The coach [Cavin Johnson] told me that I have set the bar high against SuperSport and urged me to maintain consistency," Mbatha told the Sowetan.

"I believe that I can consolidate my spot in the starting line-up if I build on that performance I delivered against SuperSport United."

The Umlazi-born custodian has, however, welcomed the competition for starting berths at the club.

"Each and every one of us [the keepers] wants to play regularly, that's a great competition. It helps us to be on our toes. We always motivate each other and there is no rivalry; it is only a healthy competition that benefits the club," he said.

Mbatha spent two seasons at Celtic but played only one match, having also been at Thanda Royal Zulu and African Warriors in the second tier.