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Mlambo hails Dumitru influence

Cape Town - Bidvest Wits midfielder Xola Mlambo says that his Roger Feutmba-esque manner of controlling a ball was encouraged by the late Ted Dumitru.

Mlambo was snapped up by the Clever Boys in the recent transfer window, and has played an integral part alongside fellow new-signing Thabang Monare as Gavin Hunt's team clinched the MTN 8 cup.

The former Chippa United midfielder, who has been a marvel in both attack and defence for Hunt's charges this season, has revealed that his technique was honed by Dumitru, whilst at Sundowns' youth academy.

"I have never watched Roger Feutmba, but that technique of using my outside foot was one that was encouraged a lot by my former coach, the late Ted Dumitru," he told Soccer Laduma.

"He also encouraged using both feet to pass in midfield. He used to tell us that it becomes easy to do things when you use both feet to play and it becomes tricky for opposing players because abazi ukuthi uzokwenzani (they never know what you will do). 

"When you open your foot, the defender can see what you are going to do, but as soon as you knock the ball with the outside of your foot uyamothusa (your marker gets surprised) it comes as a shock! I grew up being taught this," he concluded.

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