Cape Town - AmaZulu coach Steve Barker believes that Mbulelo Mabizela's previous indiscipline incidents are ‘overstated’ and is confident the defender will be a hit with Usuthu.

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Mabizela joined the KZN club after falling out with Barker's uncle, Clive Barker, at Mpumalanga Black Aces.

But despite Mabizela's long and chequered history going all the way back to his time at Tottenham Hotspur over a decade ago, AmaZulu boss Barker is adamant that the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana centre-back will be a positive influence in Durban.

"I think people overstate what he has done. He hasn't had any incidences in the past three years except obviously a fall-out with the previous coach [Clive Barker at Black Aces]," Barker told AfricanFootball.com.

"He brings leadership, organisation, character, quality as a footballer on and off the field.

“For me he is one of the best players South Africa has ever produced and he still has the ability to play at the highest level.

"Since he has joined the team it's just been a pleasure to work with him and I can already see the difference he is making."