Orlando Pirates coach Julio Leal was pleased with Benson Mhlongo’s performance during their 2-1 Telkom Knockout Cup victory over Black Leopards on Saturday.
It was Mhlongo s first match since picking up a knee injury in October 2009 against AmaZulu.
The midfielder replaced Andile Jali, who was injured in the 70th minute, and received a standing ovation when he took the field.
Within minutes of coming on, Mhlongo had a hand in the second goal scored by Rudolf Bester, and Leal says he was delighted to see the defender contributing to their success.
I like the player very much; his character and his personality. Unfortunately due to the injury he has been unable to continue performing well for Pirates and Bafana Bafana, he told Kickoff.com.
When I arrived he was recovering, and he has not been able to practice as much as he is doing now. He has impressed me with his capacity to fight, to deliver a pass and to move throughout the field.
He was ready to play today and I felt it was the time to give him his chance.
We are very happy to have him back because he is a legend. Full praise must go to the medical team for the fantastic work they did.
Leal hailed his side s victory after going four games without a win. Bucs advanced to the quarterfinals courtesy of goals from Benni McCarthy and Bester.
I m very happy with the overall performance; it was a difficult game, the opposition fought from beginning to end, but we controlled most of the game.
