Mokotjo lauded as Twente savior

FC Twente midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo has earned plaudits from Dutch media for his inspiring performances amid the club's off-field troubles.

The 2009-10 Eredivisie champions are on the brink of bankruptcy and face the prospect of a league expulsion at the end of the season, but in the face of adversity, South Africa international midfielder Mokotjo has impressed in the heart of the Twente midfield.

After being called up to Bafana Bafana's squad to face Cameroon in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action, the 25-year old was praised in De Telegraaf newspaper.

"The player [Mokotjo] shows so much calmness and confidence on the field and from which his team draw inspiration," read a statement in the biggest newspaper distributor in Holland.

His statistics this season is nothing short of remarkable, having played every minute of The Rukkers current campaign, the former Feyenoord midfielder has a pass completion percentage rate of 96 and his role as defensive midfielder has allowed the likes of Hakim Ziyech thrive further up the field in more advanced positions.

Mokotjo however, has played down the praise, stating it's his job to do all the dirty work in order for his team to play a more expansive style of football and that his sole focus is helping his side avoid the drop.

"I don't need any compliments because I know what I can do," Mokotjo told De Telegraaf.

"That might sound rude but I do appreciate what is being said. But I also understand that spectators don't come to the stadium to watch me. I am a stable, constant player. Sometimes that is key in a scrappy match.

"We are fighting each game for each other. It is my task to guard and then also to pick a pass where I can cancel out two opponents at the same time. We have to consistently feed out strikers because that is where we are really dangerous.

"We have to first make sure we play ourselves into a position of safety. We need one or two more wins and a couple of draws and we'll be OK."