TS Galaxy utility player Puso Dithejane has been named in the COSAFA Cup group stage best XI after catching the eye with impressive performances.
The 20-year-old star is the only Bafana Bafana player in the line-up.
The Kaizer Chiefs academy graduate featured in all three group stage matches for South Africa, starting two of those encounters against Mozambique in the opening match and the last game against Mauritius, while coming off the bench in the 2-0 win over Zimbabwe.
Having been released by the Naturena-based outfit for allegedly refusing to be a ball retriever along with other DDC starlets, Dithejane swiftly found a new home at the Mpumalanga side in November 2023.
Since then, the player has established himself as a name to be reckoned with in the Rockets’ starting XI and the football fraternity, with the youngster constantly touted to represent the national team on a more senior level under coach Hugo Broos.
Dithejane, whose natural position is right-back but can turn out as a right winger, made 32 appearances across all competitions for Galaxy last season. During that period, the Bafana international scored two goals and racked up six assists.
In the wake of his eye-catching performances, the starlet is said to have attracted the interest of Bundesliga outfit Augsburg FC, who had a pre-season camp in South Africa in preparation for the just-ended 2024/25 campaign.
While Dithejane is impressing in the 14-team regional tournament, Vela Khumalo’s charges have so far had an underwhelming display as they managed a solitary win, a loss against Mozambique, and a goalless stalemate in their penultimate group stage match.
Despite the below-par showing, Bafana progressed to the semi-final of the competition after topping their group. They will face Comoros, while Angola tackles Madagascar. Both matches are set to take place at the Free State Stadium on Friday, 13 June.
