In this edition of My Dream Team, former Ajax Cape Town midfielder Nhlanhla Shabalala reveals the 10 best players he featured alongside during his football career.
The 37-year-old former defensive midfielder also starred for the likes of AmaZulu FC and Moroka Swallows.
What's your formation of choice?
"4-3-3. The old traditional Ajax Cape Town system worked well for us because we had a natural left-back and a natural right-winger."
Goalkeeper
"Sean Roberts. He did well at Ajax after his career at Wits didn't flourish, I enjoyed working with Sean. We won the Telkom Knockout Cup final with Sean where he had an outstanding tournament."
Defenders
"Right-back is Nazeer Allie, the gentleman of the game. Dedicated, disciplined individual, very strong in the air, couldn't be beaten for pace, and was also physically strong.
"Central defence I will have Thulani 'Tyson' Hlatshwayo, we all know what he achieved playing in that position. He captained Bafana for a long time. I've got Clayton Daniels as well, a no-nonsense defender. He brings that crazy element. He gave us confidence and strength.
"Left-back will be Marc Van Heerden, how he applied himself at AmaZulu was truly amazing. A very good free-kick taker who was very strong defensively."
Midfield
"Our number 6 is Nhlanhla Shabalala. Disciplines, basics, strong, no-nonsense.
"Right-wing will be Tshepo Liphoko. His potential was not realised. He was supposed to be a global star.
"Dipsy Selolwane will be my number eight, had a great partnership with him at Ajax. He was very slow but very smart at the same time."
Strikers
"My top striker will be Terror Fanteni. He understood exactly what scoring goals means. He could hold the ball well for us and had tremendous pace.
"Then there would be Thulani Serero, the greatest player we ever experienced in South Africa. He played for the longest time in Europe.
"On the left, I will put Graham King, I think South Africa had a Ryan Giggs in him. It's just unfortunate he didn't live up to his full potential."
Substitutes
"I will have Eyong Enoh, he became a stalwart at Ajax Cape Town before he moved to Ajax Amsterdam. I sat on the bench because of him.
"The defender would be Thamsanqa Teyise from AmaZulu. Robyn Johannes will be the midfielder. Granwald Scott will also be there, as George Maluleka, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly.
"The goalkeeper on the bench is Tshepo Mamabolo."
Coach
"Foppe de Haan. That was the best coach I have worked under."
