Thopola lauds 'master tactician' Mokwena

Orlando Pirates loanee Diamond Thopola is pleased to have reunited with coach Rhulani Mokwena at Chippa United.

The experienced defender has had a forgettable season marred by injuries and he has been forced to watch from the sidelines as the Chilli Boys struggle in the Absa Premiership.

United brought in Mokwena from Pirates as their new coach early last month following the departure of Zimbabwean mentor Norman Mapeza.

The highly-rated tactician's arrival at the Eastern Cape-based side could spark the revival of former Bafana Bafana right-back Thopola.

SuperSport.com caught up with 30-year-old Thopola, who has made only four competitive appearances for the Chilli Boys thus far this term.

Your thoughts on how you have performed thus far?

It's really difficult to say because I have not had much game time this season. I have struggled with injuries and I would have loved to get more game time.

It has not been easy for me. I was doing rehab workout before the current lockdown and I was doing well.

You have reunited with coach Mokwena...

Yeah, we are now with coach Mokwena and I enjoy working under his guidance. He has a strong work ethic and he is a master tactician.

He is on another level and, in my own opinion, he is the future of South African football.

Will Chippa avoid relegation to the GladAfrica Championship?

Yes, we can. We have a good team here with talented players, who are under the leadership of coach Mokwena. We are in good hands.

What went wrong for you at Orlando Pirates?

Things did not work out for me there, but it's okay. I learnt a lot during my time with Pirates and I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me.

Do you have some unfinished business at Pirates?

Every player wants some game time. I am still a Pirates player and if they called me back, I can only honour that and serve the team.

Do you still have something to offer at international level under Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki?

It's always an honour to play for the national team, but I am only focusing on staying injury-free.

Then get some game time at the club level and enjoy my football again. That's when I can start thinking about the national team.