Mhlongo receives Bacela's praise

Pretoria - Lennox Bacela praised Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo for his heroic performance against the University of Pretoria.

The 25-year-old 'keeper returned to action from a four month layoff due to injury as the Buccaneers defeated AmaTuks 2-0 in an exciting Absa Premiership encounter at Orlando Stadium.

Former Pirates goal poacher, Bacela, admits that the Alexander born shot-stopper stood between the Students and a win.

Bacela said he is very impressed with the way Mhlongo has grown between the sticks as he was still learning from the late Senzo Meyiwa when he (Bacela) joined the Soweto giants in 2013.

“For me personally it’s great to see how he has grown," said Bacela.

“When I joined Pirates in 2013 he was still learning from the late Senzo (Meyiwa) and to see him now commanding the last line of defence is really outstanding.

“On Wednesday he was so brilliant and everyone saw that we could have won the game in the first half but it was Brighton Mhlongo against AmaTuks.

“Unfortunately for us we were playing against a very good goalkeeper.”

The Knysna born forward backed Mhlongo for a spot in the Bafana Bafana squad, citing that Mhlongo deserves to be recognised by the head coach Shakes Mashaba.

“I can just wish to see him grow and grow to greater heights in his career," he insisted.

“And hopefully we’ll see him in the Bafana Bafana team very soon because he is still young and he should be there.

“But all he needs to do is to continue working hard, stay humble and be patient. His time will definitely come.”