Platinum Stars coach Cavin Johnson says he is grateful for the influence goalkeeper Mbongeni Mzimela has had in the squad this season.

The 31-year-old joined Dikwena from fellow Absa Premiership side Chippa United on a free transfer during the 2015-16 campaign.

Mzimela has played a crucial role in Dikwena’s resurgence on both the domestic and continental front, having kept nine clean sheets from 20 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

The 58-year-old coach praised Mzimela’s quality between the posts and is delighted with the shot-stopper’s contributions this season.

‘When the chips are down, Mzimela is able to step up and take responsibility. He is solid. The back four that he is playing with is not conceding many goals,’ Johnson told the Platinum Stars website.

‘He conceded few goals in the last eight games that he has played. He is doing very well. He has kept clean sheets. He gives the team more.

‘He gives them the willingness to go forward. He has become our number one penalty taker. He scored the goals in the PSL, Nedbank, and CAF. I am happy for him.’

Johnson says he will be hoping that his number one can be at his best when they play the Clever Boys on Saturday.

‘Sometimes when the ball falls for you properly, you are able to score goals. Even last year we were playing well, but the ball didn’t fall for us,’ he added.

‘It didn’t go in the back of the net. It’s falling for us now and we are putting it in the back of the net. We just hope that we continue with the same form.’

Platinum Stars are set to take on Bidvest Wits when the Absa Premiership returns on Saturday.

The match at the Bidvest Wits Stadium kicks off at 18:00.

Image: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix