How Mathoho can improve

19 July 2011

He may have been a sensation in his first full season with Bloemfontein Celtic, but Erick Mathoho’s coach believes he has some way to go still.

The lanky centre back from Limpopo shone brightly in a very young and inexperienced Celtic defence, which saw Siwelele concede just 24 goals all season. Only Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs conceded less (23 goals).

“We’ve said Mathoho must only leave for Europe, not another PSL team. He needs more time to develop because he’s only had one full season in the Premiership,” Celtic coach Clinton Larsen says.

Interest from Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns has been very strong and Larsen can now reflect on why Mathoho needs another season at Celtic.

“We’ve got Erick on a special training program to strengthen his upper body. He’s naturally a big boy, but he doesn’t have the same upper body power as Morgan Gould or Bongani Khumalo just yet,” Larsen explains.

“This is his next target and we’re working on it. He’ll soon be at this level and then we believe he’ll be overseas material.”

It goes without saying that Mathoho has made everybody sit up and take notice. He is tall, quick, reliable and seems unfazed by opposing strikers.

“I’m happy we’ve kept the core of my team together. It will be good for our younger players, like Mathoho, to have this continuation from last season,” Larsen says.

“It would not have been good for any of them if we sold players who have only just come onto the Premiership scene.”