Rikhotso not suprised by 'reliable' Mahashe

Cape Town - Bloemfontein Celtic defender Tshepo Rikhotso says he is not surprised by how well Mzwanele Mahashe has played as his new partner in the centre of the defence.

Mahashe made only his third appearance in the league this season when he replaced Wandisile Letlabika in the game against Sundowns last week after latter suffered a concussion.

Siwelele kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with the defending champions and then Mahashe and Rikhotso started together in the central defence in Wednesday's 1-1 stalemate with Orlando Pirates.

Rikhotso said of his defensive partner in the SowetanLIVE website: "Mahashe is very strong. He’s experienced. You saw how he conducted himself when he came on for Letlabika against Sundowns.

"I enjoy playing with him. We have a nice understanding.

"Even at Baroka Mahashe was a reliable defender. I am not surprised that he has managed to step up to the plate when Letlabika got injured. This shows that we have a strong team."

Celtic's next game in will be against Wits on 15 March.