Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says he would have preferred if their rising star Cassius Mailula was part of the South Africa U23 side to
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena says he would have preferred if their rising star Cassius Mailula was part of the South Africa U23 side to fire them to the U23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Mailula, 21, has been fast-tracked to Bafana Bafana in his debut season with the Sundowns first team where he’s fitted in like a glove into their tactical system as a poacher of note.
With 14 goals and four assists in 25 games, he’s sure on choice for the PSL Young Player of the Season and in some circles, he’s been talked of for the Footballer of the Season title.
While that might be premature at this stage of his career Mokwena admits he would have liked to see him gradually enter the national team set-up as he never featured in the junior national team prior to his senior call-up.
“I would love to have seen Cassius with the U23s, not with Bafana, I would have loved to have seen Cassius with his age group, going to Congo and helping the team to qualify, that’s what I would have loved to see,” Mokwena said about overhyping talent.
“But we, South Africa man, our beloved country guys, it’s… let’s be easy, easy. Let’s talk about what’s happening, where are we going – where are we, what level has been set and then we go… but it’s very difficult, it’s a very difficult and emotional topic.”
Mailula looks set to play a central role in their quest for the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League title after already securing the DStv Premiership with seven games to spare.
COMMENTS