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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates defender
Patrick Phungwayo believes their goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo, has all the
capabilities to be the club’s No 1.
The 23-year-old shot stopper was handed the responsibility of being the Buccaneers’ last man of defence following the untimely death of their skipper, Senzo Meyiwa, two months ago.
Phungwayo said the Soweto-born goal minder must not try to imitate anyone between the sticks but rather stick to his personality as every footballer has a unique talent.
“Brighton is a very good goalkeeper,” Phungwayo told Sport24 in an exclusive interview.
“I believe that we are all unique and everyone in the team has a unique talent.
“The best way to succeed is not to try and be a copycat of somebody.
“Brighton Mhlongo needs to be just himself and we keep advising him in the team to be like that.
“The senior players always advise him to be calm and not put him under unnecessary pressure.
“He understands that we all have competitions in the team and that includes myself.
“I compete with Thabo (Matlaba) and Ayanda (Ngcaba) in my position but at the end of the day I have to be myself.
“Brighton is doing so well for the team so far and he is our number one at the moment.
“He needs to grab this opportunity with both hands.”
Mhlongo has played five games since Meyiwa’s death and managed to keep a clean-sheet on one occasion.
In those five matches, the former FC AK goal minder has conceded seven goals.
His next assignment will be to keep reigning PSL champions, Mamelodi Sundowns at bay when the Happy People host them at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Kick-off is at 19:30.
