Thulani Serero comfortable with creative role

The 23-year-old playmaker was South Africa’s headline act for Monday’s friendly international against Australia, following a hugely successful third season with Ajax Amsterdam.

Serero was continuously hunted down by the likes of Mark Milligan and Luke Wilkshire in Sydney, but an unperturbed Serero said he had grown used to it and was taking it in his stride.

“I don’t mind it and I expect it every game. I always want to play good for the team, not for myself,” Serero said after the 1-1 draw at ANZ Stadium.

From the outset, the Socceroos’ game-plan was clear: nullify Serero in order to stamp out the twinkle-toed wizards’ ability to move the game forward.

Serero played a direct hand in Bafana’s opener, after a silky-smooth pass found Tokelo Rantie in the final third, which set-up Ayanda Patosi to slot home in the 13th minute.

Serero was also instrumental for the Dutch champions this season and played a major role in helping the country’s most successful club to yet another Dutch title.

Shifting his attention to South Africa’s second game on tour, against the All Whites of New Zealand, Serero said he hoped the team could learn from their mistakes against Australia following a disappointing equaliser from the Aussies, less than 90 second after Patosi had put the visitors ahead.

“It was disappointing. We all know as professionals that after you score a goal it’s crucial to remain focused because they’re going to come forward and try to look for a goal.

“We should have taken our chances.

“So we need to show more hunger, more going forward and playing as a team. We have to show that we also want to play.”

– Sapa