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The Masandawana coach saw some encouraging signs from the former Amakhosi man in the win over Kaizer Chiefs last weekend.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes George Maluleka will be a key signing for his team and even more so if the former Kaizer Chiefs star can add a couple of elements to his game.
Maluleka signed with Sundowns last season in a pre-contract deal, choosing not to sign a new deal with Amakhosi after spending seven years with the Soweto giants.
With the Masandawana squad packed with quality players and the competition for extremely high places (Maluleka is competing with players like Hlompho Kekana, Andile Jali, Tiyani Mabunda, Grant Margeman and Gift Motupa for a place in central midfield), they have made questions about whether it was the right move for the 31-year-old.
Maluleka never made it off the bench in Sundowns’ season opener, a 1-0 loss to Bloemfontein Celtic in the MTN8 quarterfinal, but made a substitute appearance in the Brazilians 3-0 win. over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Indeed, the former Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United midfielder contributed to the final goal after his former teammate Itumeleng Khune knocked him down in the box, prompting Themba Zwane to score a penalty in the 89th minute.
Mngqithi was very pleased with Maluleka’s impact and was especially happy to see him get into such advanced position for the third goal.
“He has a good pass behind the defense and we could see that both [Daniel] Cardoso and [Ramahlwe] Mphahlele was climbing higher and we wanted someone who could easily deliver the same pass as Hlompho [Kekana] can deliver in that space, because we wanted to try to see if we can’t get anything out of a fast break, “the Downs coach was quoted as saying. Phakaaathi.
“I was very impressed to see him go so far as to get us that penalty which for me was very encouraging because I have been telling him that his game is short of incisive moments in terms of shots on goal, scoring goals and all that.
“So, when I saw that cash entry, and a very good cash entry for that matter, I was very encouraged because I know what it is capable of. I don’t think many people will give it the respect it deserves. I hope that soon it will people know what George is capable of. “
The Sundowns coach also addressed speculation that Maluleka exceeds the requirements of the Tshwane club.
“Just to clear up the rumor, it was unfounded,” he said.
“Maybe it’s from people who are trying to kill someone else’s career because I was also very direct in our last game and he is a very important part of our plans because we know what he brings.”
