Thelente Mbatha highlights what was South Africa's strategy against South Korea in the 1-0 victory

Thalente Mbatha has been one of the standout performers for Bafana Bafana at the ongoing World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.

And the Orlando Pirates midfielder was left out of the first game against Mexico but his displays against Czechia and South Korea belied that fact.

The spirited display yesterday morning against the Koreans in the 1-0 win highlighted the Mbatha's quality as he controlled the midfield in a commanding manner while also combining well with Sphephelo Sithole.

Mbatha said coach Hugo Broos stressed to the team to stay compact and ensure they do not concede early.

"For us we believed that we had the stamina and the legs to go all out. So the coach told us not to concede until the water break and we will be able to counterattack, as you saw we were breaking through their lines and they were playing with three. We told our wingers Oswin and Maseko to stay wide all the time, because whenever we get the ball, they will be our outlets," said Mbatha.

This Sunday Bafana face Canada in the last-32 match and Mbatha is expected to play a leading role again.

That match starts at 9pm South African time.