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Mkhalele praises Tinkler and Memela

Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana legend Helman Mkhalele has lauded Eric Tinkler for believing in winger Luvuyo Memela.

The 28-year-old winger has proven to be a marquee signing for the Buccaneers after arriving from National First Division side Cape Town All Stars at the beginning of the season, with his 17 appearaces (all competitions) contributing a tally of four goals.

Mkhalele believes that Memela's inclusion by Tinkler deserves praise.

"Obviously in the earlier parts of the season he didn't receive as much game time as he has in recent times," Mkhalele told Vodacom Soccer.

"And for the team, I think his inclusion needs to be lauded.

"He has helped the team in term of going forward, his inclusion I the team has been able to take Pirates forward and this is something that Pirates have been missing a lot this season.

"I think his inclusion brought a lot of changes and he's grown in confidence, he is playing with belief and that has really been good for the team.

"It goes to prove that he was indeed a good signing."

The 'Midnight Express' did, however, point out a few areas that he feels the former Chippa United player needs to improve on.

"I think he needs on his work rate, to be specific, his fitness," added Mkhalele.

"For a player of his type, he like to run at defenders, and rightfully so because he has got the ability to do that.

"But players like that need to have a light frame, they need to be more flexible and more agile in order to improve his work rate and those are just some of the demands of playing in that position."

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