Mabizela is a gem out of Africa

14 April 2012

Lucas Radebe today predicted Mbulelo Mabizela will be one of the best players to emerge from South Africa. Former South Africa captain Radebe will get the chance to meet up with his successor when Leeds visit White Hart Lane tomorrow.

Mabizela yesterday received a work permit to complete his move from South African side Orlando Pirates to Spurs.

The 22-year-old defender impressed during Tottenham's pre-season friendly against the Pirates, and Radebe believes Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle has signed a real gem. Centre-half Radebe, who joined Leeds from Kaizer Chiefs in 1994, feels Mabizela has got what it takes to more than follow in his footsteps.

He said: "I've watched him in a few matches and he's a talented defender. He's going to be one of the best ever to come out of the country. He's already shown he's a leader. He not only leads by example, but he likes to be involved in everything regarding the team, and that's a very good sign.

"He's a big boy in terms of structure and that is definitely going to help as the other players will take him seriously. I've heard him speak in camp. He's a bit bossy and I've noticed he commands the respect of most of the players in the squad.

"From what I have seen, there are very few areas in which he needs to improve. I don't think he will have any difficulties."

Leeds have signed Arsenal's Jermaine Pennant on a two-month loan deal and he could go straight into the side to face Spurs. Leeds manager Peter Reid had to play left winger Jason Wilcox on the right side of midfield in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle last Sunday after dropping Nick Barmby from his squad.

Pennant was dismissed for England Under-21s in Tuesday's 3-0 defeat by Croatia claiming he was the victim of racist abuse. He was sent off for punching Niko Kranjcar - an incident that was missed by the referee but spotted by a linesman.

Pennant faces a three-match international ban and will find it hard to force his way back into the England set-up. Under-21s manager David Platt had already sent Pennant home for breaking a team curfew in the run-up to the qualifier against Turkey.

Platt warned: "Jermaine's got to learn about everything that's happening in his career. It was retaliation for something, but he deserved to be sent off." Reid believes Pennant's arrival will give his side more options on the right-hand side. He said: "You always need quality players, and Jermaine will be a big bonus for us."

Pennant has not featured regularly for Arsenal since joining them for £2million from Notts County four years ago.

Meanwhile, Hoddle has turned his attentions to Lens midfielder Pape Bouba Diop in a bid to solve his midfield problems.

Hoddle needs to beef up his central midfield after watching Birmingham's Robbie Savage inspire the home side to a 1-0 victory last Saturday.

Hoddle followed up his initial interest in Diop by watching him in action last weekend. Hoddle is also believed to have been impressed by Diop's club-mate Cyril Rool.

The 28-year-old defender was linked with Chelsea, Southampton and Portsmouth last month, and Spurs will keep tabs on the player nicknamed 'The Pitbull'.

Tottenham v Leeds, White Hart Lane, tomorrow, 3pm

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