Has former Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki just told Miguel Cardoso how to use Malibongwe Khoza after unfamiliar role in Bafana Bafana's CHAN draw with Algeria? Mamelodi Sundowns star opens up on his new position

Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 with Algeria in their Group C opening match at the 20124 African Nations Championship at Mandela Stadium in Uganda on Friday.

South Africa coach Molefi Ntseki opted to deploy central defender Malibongwe Khoza into central midfield and the Mamelodi Sundowns man was named as Man of the Match despite playing in an unfamiliar role.

The 21-year-old admits this was a new position for him as he managed to put up a good show.

“I have never played as a midfielder and it has been an experience playing in this position. I am confident in my team and we are here to play,” said Khoza as per CAFOnline.

“The team doesn’t know each other very well yet, but the excellent work our coach has done helps create unity and cohesion in the group, and we are here to fight until the end. We want to qualify from the group stage. We will fight until the end.” 

Khoza flourishing in his new role could make Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso rethink about the way he should use the player.

Under Manqoba Mngqithi last season, Khoza was a regular as a centre-back and continued in that role during Cardoso's early days at the club.

But the Portuguese coach started sidelining the defender with Lucas Suarez, Mosa Lebusa and Keanu Cupido being selected ahead of him to partner Grant Kekana at the heart of defence. 

The Masandawana star would want to have another good day in office when Bafana face Guinea in their second Group C game on Monday.

If he manages to prove that Friday's performance was no fluke, Cardoso might start seeing him as a back-up to the likes of Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende.