Mntambo: This late football icon was my toughest opponent
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MTN8 ambassadors and former South African football stars Linda Mntambo and Lehlohonolo Major. Photo: Lefty Shivambu//Gallo Images
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Mntambo: This late football icon was my toughest opponent
Aug 13, 2026 – 03:41 pm
By Siya Ndlela
In an exclusive interview with KickOff, recently retired Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates star Linda Mntambo has revealed the toughest player he has played against in the PSL.
The veteran midfielder, who recently hung up his boots after an illustrious 13-year career, opened up about the profound impact the Burundian international, Faty Papy, had on his overall style of play.
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Faty Papy first arrived in South Africa back in 2012 when he signed for Bidvest Wits from Turkish club Trabzonspor.
The midfield dynamo spent four highly successful years in the PSL with the Clever Boys, quickly establishing himself as one of the most complete box-to-box midfielders in modern South African football.
However, Papy became notorious across the league for his stubborn defiance of medical advice regarding a life-threatening heart condition.
Despite collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match for Wits in December 2015, he allegedly rejected recommendations to retire or undergo a heart operation, which ultimately led to Wits releasing him due to the severe health risks.
This refusal to step away from the game eventually resulted in tragedy on 25 April 2019. While playing for Malanti Chiefs in eSwatini, the 28-year-old collapsed just 15 minutes into a match and tragically passed away.
I’m still waiting for a South African team to import a quality African midfielder like Faty Papy. May his soul continue to rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/axxZ1kCw3v
Mntambo, affectionately known as ‘Figo’, carved out an equally respectable career in the local top flight following his breakthrough.
He first made his name at Jomo Cosmos under Jomo Sono before earning a high-profile move to Chippa United. His performances quickly caught the eye of Orlando Pirates, where he spent four successful years winning both the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup trophies before later captaining Sekhukhune United.
“It’s just that he is no more, Papi Faty, RIP. He used to play for Bidvest Wits. Mamela (listen), that guy was so good. He was from Burundi. I think that was the most difficult opponent I have ever faced,” Mntambo responded when asked by KickOff on his toughest opponent.
“What people don’t understand. The toughest midfielders to play against are the midfielders that don’t only play with the ball at their feet; they are midfielders that break the line, box-to-box midfielders. You don’t know how to mark this person with the ball, and you have to mark this person without the ball.
“He (Papi) used to run the midfield. You would not know whether to press or give him space. He could peel off and run. He was unpredictable. He also mastered two-touch football: Scan, receive and pass.
Beyond his domestic success, Mntambo also tasted continental football on the big stage. During his memorable tenure with the Buccaneers, he featured prominently in both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Stylistically, Mntambo has somewhat mirrored his idol Papy through his work rate and tactical flexibility on the pitch. The industrious midfielder easily switched gears from deep-lying playmaker to an advanced attacking midfielder and vice versa.
Known for his crisp passing, late runs into the penalty box, and spectacular long-range goals, Mntambo retired as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation.