Siyabonga Mabena returns: Young stars ready to support Mamelodi Sundowns' title quest
Mabena made his long-awaited return to competitive football in the MTN8 quarter-final against Richards Bay last Sunday, following a lengthy injury layoff.
The 18-year-old made his return count as he put the final nail in the coffin, helping Sundowns thrash Bay 4–0 to reach the semi-final, where they'll face Orlando Pirates.
Mabena's comeback has fuelled belief among some Masandawana supporters that he will finally fulfil his potential this season and come of age.
After all, his injury not only saw him miss the U20 AFCON — which Amajita won — but also ruled him out of the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup in the US last month.
Kutlwano Letlhaku, 19, meanwhile, featured in both tournaments, paving the way for other young players at the club.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, however, stated that the youngsters are not expected to carry the team on their shoulders, as they are still undergoing gradual development.
'We started working with these youngsters last year, but Mabena was injured,' said Cardoso during the launch of the Betway Premiership this week. 'Letlhaku has been with us.
'That's the way we've been doing things — following procedures that we believe are right for developing youngsters, and teaching them the tools they need at a professional level.
'These are things they didn't have at Diski or youth level in order to succeed. As the level rises, they need to develop additional skills too.
'We are trying to upgrade them, but obviously there's been great work done by the coaches who worked with them before.
'The challenges are much bigger now. From time to time, we shouldn't expect them to carry the responsibility of a team like Sundowns, though we do expect them to succeed.'
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