Mntambo: Late PSL import from Burundi was my toughest opponent
Rugby
Podcasts & Videos
The Club House
Win
–>
MTN8 ambassadors and former South African football stars Linda Mntambo and Lehlohonolo Major. Photo: Lefty Shivambu//Gallo Images
Home
Psl
Premiership
Mntambo: Late PSL import from Burundi was my toughest opponent
Aug 13, 2026 – 03:41 pm
By Siya Ndlela
In an exclusive interview with KickOff, recently retired former Sekhukhune United and Orlando Pirates star Linda Mntambo has revealed the toughest player he faced in his PSL career.
Mntambo, who has hung up his boots after an illustrious 13-year career, opened up about the profound impact erstwhile Burundian international Faty Papy had on his overall style of play.
Faty arrived in South Africa in 2012, signing for Wits from Turkish club Trabzonspor.
The midfielder spent four successful years with the Clever Boys, establishing himself as one of the most complete box-to-box midfielders in the league.
READ | Where is Chiefs’ latest signing: Da Cruz responds…
However, Papy became notorious for his stubborn defiance of medical advice regarding a life-threatening heart condition.
Despite collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match in December 2015, he allegedly rejected recommendations to retire or undergo a heart operation, which ultimately led to the club 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 carved out an equally respectable career in the local game.
He first made his name at Jomo Cosmos before earning a move to Chippa United. His performances quickly caught the eye of Pirates, where he spent four years, before later captaining Babina Noko.
“Mamela (Listen), that guy was so good. He was from Burundi. I think that was the most difficult opponent I have ever faced,” Mntambo revealed of his toughest opponent.
“What people don’t understand [is that] 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 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,” explained ‘Figo’.
In terms of playing style, Mntambo somewhat mirrored Papy through his work rate and tactical flexibility on the pitch. He 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, he retired as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation.