“I’m not saying he is the next captain. I’m just saying he has got the ability and we’ve got a lot of captains at the club”
MAMELODI Sundowns master-tactician, Pitso Mosimane, has earmarked Mosa Lebusa (pictured), as a possible candidate to succeed Hlompo Kekana when he eventually decides to retire or leave the club.
Kekana is the most accomplished Sundowns captain in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era.
Under his leadership, Sundowns have lifted three league trophies, Caf Champions League, Caf Super Cup and the Telkom Knockout.
The Limpopo-born midfielder is still not showing signs of slowing down at the age of 34. He is maturing like a good wine. But when the question crops up as to who his potential replacements at Sundowns should be if he decides to leave one day? Mosimane believes Lebusa is on the list.
“I’m not saying he is the next captain. I’m just saying he has got the ability and we’ve got a lot of captains at the club,” Mosimane elaborated.
Lebusa has become a vital cog for Sundowns at the heart of defence.
His impressive displays have also earned him regular national team call-ups. Even new Bafana Bafana coach, Molefi Ntseki, has shown faith in him with call-ups in three Bafana camps.
“He was the skipper at Ajax for a very long time. He has got the mental strength and the right attitude. He is a good boy and good person,” said Mosimane.
During his tenure as the captain of the Urban Warriors, they lifted the MTN8 beating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
“Captains are not only chosen because you are a good footballer. It is a guy who should carry the team, players should give respect to him. Mosa has done it and why not,” Mosimane said.
Lebusa started as a left-back but Mosimane has converted him into left-footed centre-back. It is a position that he has made his own. The defender will be key next month when Sundowns lock horns with Maritzburg United in the Telkom Knockout final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on December 14. Sundowns brushed aside Lamontville Golden Arrows to reach the final at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium in Clermont this past weekend. They emerged as 2-1 winners. Kekana and Gaston Sirino were on the scoresheet for Sundowns while Nduduzo Sibiya netted a consolation for the home side.
Sundowns will be out to replicate their performance of 2015, and why not? Four years ago they were crowned the TKO champions at the expense of Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida.
The final of the same competition will also be played at the same venue. Lebusa will be tasked with the job of marshalling Judas Moseamedi who tormented Amakhosi in the semi finals this past weekend at Mbombela Stadium.
