Bathusi Aubaas is all set to kickstart his Sundowns journey

BATHUSI AUBAAS

IS ALL SET TO

KICKSTART HIS SUNDOWNS JOURNEY

Author: John Aliu

With Mamelodi Sundowns competing in six different competitions in the 2023/24 season, Bathusi Aubaas adds an extra dimension of dynamism and cutting-edge that Coach Rulani Mokwena seeks in midfield as Bafana Ba Style embarks on a busy campaign.

The defensive midfielder recently joined from TS Galaxy and was a subject of interest from other clubs before his move to Chloorkop.

After being unveiled as a new Masandawana player, the 28-year-old expressed his readiness to make his name with the Brazilians.

“I am so happy to join this amazing club and my family is also very excited about the move. This is a club with a winning mentality and I am determined to work hard in training and fight for my place in the team. My goal is to establish myself as a key player and make a meaningful impact on the field. I know that the competition will be tough, but I am up for the challenge,” the midfielder said.

Bathusi is coming off an excellent campaign for Galaxy, where he spent five seasons, the last three of which have been in the top flight. Last season, the midfield enforcer, who also played in central defense, accumulated 26 appearances for the Rockets and earned his debut for Bafana Bafana in the 2-1 win over Morocco.

When asked about which attribute he is looking to improve under Coach Rulani, Aubaas says, “Patience will be very key for me. This is a club with quality players across all positions on the pitch and I am ready to learn as much as possible and take my opportunity when it comes. Even on the pitch, patience is key because the game can change quickly and I need to stay composed and focused on my role.”

During his time at Galaxy, Aubaas faced Sundowns five times in the league and ended up on the winning side just once, securing a shock 1-0 away win last season. Reflecting on which Sundowns players he found tough to play against, Bathusi said, “Teboho Mokoena and Neo Maema were difficult to compete against because they are so quick and direct on the ball. I am very excited that we are now teammates.”

The towering midfielder also showered praise on Themba Zwane, whom he has admired for a very long time. “Mshishi is one player I have dreamt of playing with because of his football intelligence. Growing up, I enjoyed studying his style of play because he has a lot to offer. I cannot wait to share the pitch with Shika and learn more from him. His mentality of the game is always top-notch.”

On which international midfielders he models his game after, Bathusi opted for Kevin De Bruyne and Thomas Partey. “Yoh! De Bruyne is always dictating the game. He is constantly scanning the pitch for the next pass and he rarely gets them wrong. I love his first touch and his decision-making process. Thomas Partey is also full of energy and he is a great tackler of the ball.”

Six Fun Facts about Bathusi Aubaas:

Hobbies: Aubaas enjoys spending his leisure time watching TV, playing chess and engaging in video games.

Hidden Talent: Aubaas has a hidden talent that he is a bit shy about – he can sing! He particularly loves singing Gospel songs and one of his favorites is “When the praises go up, His glory comes down” by Benjamin Dube & Praise Explosion.

Love for Running: If he were not a footballer, Aubaas would have pursued a career in athletics. He has a fondness for running and has experience in events like the 100m, 400m and cross country during his high school days. He even playfully expresses excitement about racing against Thapelo Maseko and Thapelo Morena!

Football Legends: Aubaas idolizes several football legends and dreams of sitting down with them someday to talk about football. The names on his list include Teko Modise, Doctor Khumalo, Surprise Moriri and Teboho Moloi.

Five-A-Side Dream Team: His dream team consists of Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule, Neo Maema and Khuliso Mudau.

Motto: Aubaas draws inspiration from Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” This powerful verse reflects his belief in having faith and trust in a higher purpose, guiding him both on and off the field.

Bathusi’s status as one of the most sought-after players in the transfer window reflects the acknowledgment of his exceptional skills and potential by top clubs. With his ability to dictate the game and make intelligent decisions on the pitch, Aubaas will be a valuable asset as Bafana Ba Style seeks to dominate across six competitions this season.

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