Mphahlele takes central role - Schut poser solved

MAMELODI Sundowns will not spend big to replace retiring captain and defender Alje Schut, coach Pitso Mosimane revealed after their 4-1 win over Moroka Swallows on Tuesday night.

Ramahlwe Mphahlele will instead be converted from right back to central defence to be Schut's long-term successor.

The two were paired in the Brazilians' Absa Premiership clash against the Dube Birds and not only were they convincing, but Schut also scored the first of the four goals.

Mphahlele is no stranger to the position, having made a name for himself at centre back when he broke into top-flight football, coincidentally as a Swallows player.

"I need to train someone to play centre back because Alje is retiring and leaving [at the end of the season], that is why we have played Rama there in all the games we were involved in during the break and he did well," Mosimane said.

Schut, who turns 34 next week, confirmed in December that he was keen to return to Holland to focus on getting his coaching badges.

The coach did not say whether Mphahlele would also take over as the skipper when Schut leaves. Mosimane did rave about his side's emphatic win at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

"I would love to take credit, but I think it shows that we are starting to play proper football. Maybe we are peaking at the right time and this could also mean our preparation during the break was good. I am happy that we are creating opportunities again and we could have probably scored more goals. If anyone offered me two goals in each half before the start of the game, I would have taken it," Mosimane said.

He was also impressed with Siyanda Zwane, who was playing in only his second game for Sundowns since joining them from Golden Arrows at the start of the season.