‘Chiefs youngster destined for greatness’ – ex-Bafana defender

According to former Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana right-back Vuyo Mere, Kaizer Chiefs youngster Given Thibedi carries all the qualities in order to break into the first team next season.

Read: ‘Nurkovic deserves PSL Player of the Season award’ – Pirates legend

Mere, 36, plays alongside Thibedi at GladAfrica Championship Swallows FC, and has heaped praise on the 22-year-old who is currently on loan at the Dube Birds till the end of the season.

Vuyo Mere blasts PSL teams who reject players over 30 years old
Veteran PSL defender Vuyo Mere (Image: KickOff.com)

“The boy is a workaholic, comfortable on the ball and level-headed,” Mere told KickOff.com.

“The boy can play in the PSL tomorrow because he has what it takes. He is just way ahead of his peers when it comes to football brains.

“He has this arrogance when he is on the field that makes him fear nobody and I like that a lot about him.”

With George Maluleka set for the exit door at the end of the season after signing a pre-contract with Mamelodi Sundowns, Mere further added that it would be the ideal opportunity for Thibedi to break into Ernst Middendorp’s charges.

“As for replacing George I think it’s unfair on the little man to be put under that pressure,” Mere adds.

“He can do well at Chiefs but he needs to be introduced rightfully and nursed [nurtured] because he is a young fellow and he is still learning. But for me I will put him in my team any day, ” the former Platinum Stars captain added.