Katleho Makateng COSAFA Cup Player Profile
Katleho Makateng was Lesotho’s rising star and leading scorer at this summer’s COSAFA Cup. Their star forward wound up earning a move to South Africa after standing out. Makateng signed with Richards Bay FC in the DStv Premiership and has already made four starts in six matches. Here is what to expect from him in South Africa based upon his COSAFA performances.
Physical:
Makateng is an above average height and lanky build 24-year-old with rapid pace. His build left him exposed to more physically mature players in this tournament, but he held his own. He is also a left-footer with a more than serviceable right foot for the level of play. Makateng was able to utilize his weak foot comfortably.
Attack:
The lefty attacker preferred the center of the pitch, cutting inside from either wing if not positioned in his preferred center forward role. His near equal ability with his right foot made cutting inside from the left less difficult and was even comfortable shooting with the weak right. The main thing that makes Makateng struggle on the wing is his dribbling. Although classy at times, he could be too loose with the ball and the defense made him pay. His high effort can get him the ball back at times, though. Makateng’s technical ability on ball should be in question, but his abilities as a finisher and when using pace to make intelligent, dangerous runs while on the counter with and without the ball are top class for his level.
Finishing is Makateng’s strong suit. He is a multilevel shooter and fires away with power. His placement could use work but he finished well when open and facing pressure. Whether in or out of the box, Makateng maintained his goal scoring threat. As a two-footed finisher, he made his presence known in the middle.
Makateng is a limited playmaker as a passer, preferring to keep distribution short, though he does use both feet still. He was calm under pressure and that’s what is needed out of scorer when he is passing. Makateng’s playmaking comes more off ball, making dangerous inverted runs from the wing and stretching out the center backs with runs in the middle channel. His athleticism and timing really exploited teams on the counter.
Defense:
Despite putting in clear effort and having the pace to be a pest on the press, Makateng was not utilized on defense or much as a presser. He was not very effective and did not bother opponents much in the buildup even when asked. Even in the air Makateng was not too reliable, although he did get some aerial duels. His height and physicality just did not hold up consistently. Makateng has plenty of offense to his game that his weaknesses aerially and as a defender is not much of note.
Tactics:
Makateng would be best suited in a role that allows him to roam the middle channel freely. When playing as a center forward where he is most comfortable, making best use of the middle channel by outrunning center backs is his bread and butter. Makateng’s pace is so dangerous and he maximizes it with his skillset as a runner in behind. His creation off ball is very assertive and demands the ball, assuming perfect compatibility with a high tempo attack. With playmakers in midfield behind him, Makateng would thrive. Manager Sifiso Pitso Dladla has a gem to find a place for in his tactics.
Wrap Up:
Katleho Makateng is a versatile inside forward with game-breaking pace, who, if placed in the right role, has the ability to score goals in succession. The free running forward must settle into a higher level of play than he is used to and get used to a new country (where he is one of two non-South African players signed to his club), so give him some time before raising his expectations. The Lesotho national player is playing outside of his home country for the first time, but I have enough belief in his potential that he could thrive in one of Africa’s top leagues. I hope to see Makateng continue his excellent growth upon his talent and possibly earn a European move in the future, it is not out of the realm of possibility to me.
