Thabiso Kutumela has a new lease on life as Bafana Bafana 'free agents' target knockouts

When coach Molefi Ntseki built his Bafana Bafana squad for the CHAN tournament around free agents, he knew he was taking a risk. These players could have either lost their passion for the game, or used the platform as a stepping stone to secure their next moves.

Luckily for Ntseki, it appears he has backed the right horse so far. His players are showing real hunger, having collected four points from two games. While both the win and the draw were the result of a team playing cohesively, several individuals have stood out.

Striker Thabiso Kutumela has enjoyed a dream tournament so far — scoring in the first game, then assisting and scoring in the second.

Kutumela was at Richards Bay last season after being released by Mamelodi Sundowns, but he failed to make much of an impact, managing just one goal in 11 league matches. That was clearly a poor return for the former Cape Town City and Maritzburg United striker — now known as a Durban City player — given his pedigree.

Now, the 32-year-old has found new life with Bafana, putting his experience to good use as he looks for his next move. Kutumela shouldn’t struggle to find options once CHAN ends, as he has shown he still has plenty of gas in the tank — and fire in his belly.

Speaking to SAFA.net this week, Kutumela said he was pleased with his contributions so far and is determined to keep performing well.

“I’m happy for myself and for the team. We’re progressing well — we’re on four points now as we head into another game on Friday, where we need to make it seven points,” he said.

“I’m happy that I can help the team move forward. I think when you get the chance and your confidence is going up, it means you’re doing what you do best.”

Kutumela may have been Bafana’s standout player so far, but he hasn’t done it alone. He’s had strong support from teammates — most notably, captain Neo Maema.

Maema has been a breath of fresh air for Bafana, having played a key role in the team’s qualification for the main event, currently being held across Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.

His impressive performances in the qualifiers earned him a place in Mamelodi Sundowns’ squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the US. However, it appears he has since slipped down the pecking order, with rumours suggesting he’s been loaned to Simba SC in Tanzania for the remainder of the season.

A change of environment could do "Billy" — as Maema is affectionately known — a world of good, especially as he remains highly rated back home. Many fans of Sundowns’ rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, have even said they wouldn’t mind seeing him in their colours. But that seems more like wishful thinking.

Maema can’t afford to take his foot off the pedal, as expectations are high for him to lead the team to the promised land — the CHAN crown — this year.

Bafana will face Niger on Friday before clashing with co-hosts Uganda on Monday. Wins in both matches could see them progress to the next round.

For now, though, Bafana and Ntseki can embrace their strong start to the competition, as this group of free agents has shown a genuine hunger to return to top-flight football this season.