Why Sundowns signed Aubaas

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained that the signing of Bathusi Aubaas has given the team a midfielder unlike any other in their squad.

“I’m just excited to see him performing the way he does, even against Polokwane, knowing he’d not been playing, but had been training very well. However, I spoke to him and told him I didn’t want to play him in that match and preferred the Cape Town City game,” Mngqithi said.

“This was due to the intensity, and I knew his aggression could be a big help, but he’s also a very good footballer and a great person. He was open to that, and he said, ‘I know, coach, you’ll use me when the time is right.’

“And when he plays the way he does, he complements Tebza [Mokoena] very well, creating a formidable partnership in central midfield. Plus, you still have Marcelo [Allende], Neo [Maema], [Spehlele] Mkhulise, and Lebo [Maboe] all competing for places in that area.

“It gives you the confidence that at any given time, you’re likely to have a very strong midfield. But his physical attributes are what really stand out. It’s something very rare.”

Aubaas has also been named in the 38-man preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan this month.

Also read: