The 21-year-old was selected as a midfielder for the national Under-23 team despite being his club’s starting centre-back, yet having played further forward in the past, says he enjoys making the most of the opportunity to play higher up the pitch.
“I’m probably the luckiest person in the world!” he tells snl24.com/kickoff. “Always playing at the back gets a bit tiring sometimes, and at times I feel I want to push forward as I also feel like scoring and getting my name on the scoresheet.”
Mobara started in the SA Under-23’s opener at the 8 Nations tournament – a 3-1 loss to Senegal – and admits it takes time getting used to his unfamiliar position.
“It’s a big adjustment for me, and playing with players I’m not used to, but it helps with coach Owen da Gama and the rest of the team, who make it much easier for me,” he says.
When asked if he preferred the midfield role, Mobara did not hesitate to answer as he pins his hopes of an even more advanced role.
“Yes – maybe I’ll even be a striker,” he says. “I was hoping you can maybe talk to the coach to play me as a striker in the next game!”