Pitsso Mosimane clarified his decision to include Orlando Pirates forward Yanel Mbutuuma in his first Bafana Bafana national squad after returning as coach.
The inclusion of this player raised questions, especially regarding his attacking productivity, but Mosimane believes that Mbutuuma has more in the game than just goals in front of the net.
The Bafana coach emphasized that the key qualities influencing the selection are the player's physical strength and drive.
Mosimane noted: 'I don't know what other people are saying, and I don't know why people call him an enemy.'
He admitted that Mbutuuma could score more goals, but he believes that the 24-year-old athlete has demonstrated enough to earn a chance in the national team.
'Yes, maybe he doesn't score as many as one would like, but he scores, and he has a physical presence, and he is hungry,' stated Mosimane.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach urged fans to give the Pirates forward a chance to prove his worth on the international stage. He asked: 'Give him a chance.'
Mbutuuma will now have the opportunity to establish himself on the world stage as Mosimane begins his second tenure leading Bafana. The South African team will face Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26, followed by a match against Eritrea; after that, a friendly match against Egypt is scheduled.
For Mosimane, the selection of Mbutuuma is apparently based on qualities that, in his opinion, the player can bring to his system, rather than solely on current goal-scoring statistics.