Cape Town - Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Matthews Booth has hailed Thabo Nthethe stepping up to the plate to become a key pillar in the team's rearguard.
Booth feels that Nthethe has been the backbone of the solid Sundowns defence in recent games.
Sundowns have been in fine form and are enjoying a nine-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (eight wins and one draw).
The former Bafana Bafana international believes Sundowns are among the top contenders for the Premiership title due to their solid backline.
"Obviously things have improved a lot for Sundowns at the back and I think it's all because Thabo Nthethe looks to be finally settled at Sundowns," Booth told Goal website.
"He had never really found his groove and was in and out of the team since arriving. That looks a thing of the past now. I think his case has been helped by playing alongside a natural centre-back in Wayne Arendse.
"This is a team that is blessed with quality all round, but the worrying factor all along was their inconsistency, especially in the opening league matches.
"It looks like Pitso Mosimane has been working on the defence and they have now improved."