Mngqithi Urges Broos To Call Up AmaZulu Star
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos should consider AmaZulu right-back Nkosikhona Radebe for the national team.
Radebe, who joined Usuthu from TS Galaxy during the 2025 January transfer window, has emerged as one of the unsung heroes in Arthur Zwane’s side this season.
The 25-year-old has featured in 29 matches across all competitions for Usuthu, contributing one goal and three assists.
His performances have played a significant role in AmaZulu exceeding expectations with a youthful squad, as they currently occupy fourth place in the Betway Premiership standings with 43 points after 27 matches.
While reflecting on the progress made by KwaZulu-Natal teams this season, Mngqithi singled out Radebe for praise, suggesting that Broos should broaden his options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding that the defender could learn a great deal from Khuliso Mudau.
“There is also Radebe at right-back for AmaZulu, who, in my opinion, should be part of the national team setup,” said Mngqithi.
“He has done very well. I think he has six assists and four goals. For a full-back, that is very impressive.
“Even on Wednesday [when AmaZulu played to a 1-1 draw against Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium], he nearly punished us.”
KwaZulu-Natal football has enjoyed a strong season overall. For the first time since 2009, when Mngqithi guided Golden Arrows to the MTN8 title, a Durban-based club lifted major silverware after Durban City won the Nedbank Cup against TS Galaxy at Peter Mokaba Stadium last weekend.
Unlike in previous seasons, none of the province’s teams are involved in the relegation battle.
“So, for me, those are signs that there are many positive things happening in KZN,” continued Mngqithi.
“If you look at Richards Bay, players like the Mthembus and the Zikhalis in midfield, they have a young team. Thulani Gumede on the flank is also a very interesting player.
“I can give you a long list of these boys — Sanele Barns is doing well. When you look at how KZN teams have competed this season, regardless of their current log positions, all of them have done well.
“Richards Bay should be in the top eight. Durban City has been very resolute defensively, AmaZulu has also been solid at the back, and they deserve to be where they are.
“It makes me proud to see the province in the position it is in at the moment.”
The lowest-ranked KwaZulu-Natal side in the Betway Premiership is Richards Bay, who sit 11th with 32 points after 27 matches.
Their co-coach, Ronnie Gabriel, said on Wednesday that the club is determined to secure another top-eight finish after achieving the feat for the first time on the final day of last season.
