Major boost as Bennet Mokoena commits to Mamelodi Sundowns

Teenage midfielder agrees new deal as he continues to establish himself in Sundowns’ first team

Bennet Mokoena has committed his future to Mamelodi Sundowns after agreeing a new deal with the club as the 19-year-old continues to make an impression with the first team.

The teenager has emerged as one of Sundowns’ most promising academy products following a prolific campaign in the DStv Diski Challenge last season.

Mokoena scored 22 goals to finish as the competition’s Golden Boot winner, underlining his attacking ability and earning recognition as one of the country’s most exciting young players.

His performances also earned him an opportunity to feature against Bundesliga side RB Leipzig during Sundowns’ end-of-season tour.

Mokoena scored in that match, further increasing expectations surrounding his development.

Mokoena makes first-team breakthrough

Mokoena’s progress has continued into the new campaign after he was included in Sundowns’ pre-season tour of Austria.

The midfielder has subsequently featured in each of the club’s first five matches of the season, starting three of those games under head coach Miguel Cardoso.

His involvement represents another significant step in his development as he attempts to establish himself as a regular member of the Sundowns senior squad.

The club’s decision to secure his future also reflects the belief surrounding the teenager’s potential.

iDiski Times reported that Sundowns and Mokoena had agreed terms on a new contract and contacted his representatives at ProSport International for confirmation.

His representative Mike Makaab confirmed that a deal had already been completed.

“We’ve done a new deal for him [last year], which has committed his mid-term future to Sundowns and he’s just turned 19,” his representative Mike Makaab confirmed to iDiski Times.

Makaab sees overseas potential

While Mokoena remains focused on his development at Sundowns, Makaab believes the youngster has the ability to eventually make the move to a major club abroad.

“I see his future at Sundowns but I also see Bennet as a precocious talent, that if he makes the right progress in line with his potential, I think he can end up playing at a major football club [abroad].”

Makaab also highlighted some of the qualities that have helped Mokoena make such a strong impression at a young age.

The teenager’s confidence and ability to operate in tight spaces have stood out, although his representative believes there are still areas of his game that will improve with experience.

“He has the youthful arrogance about him – he can play in spaces; there’s things that can improve but it will come with time.

“I was incredibly impressed with how he handled the crowd and the occasion in the recent game against Kaizer Chiefs, I’m super excited about his future – really exciting.”

Sundowns role set to grow

Mokoena’s performances have already earned him opportunities at senior level, and his continued involvement will give him further chances to develop alongside more experienced players.

His ability to score goals has been particularly notable, with his 22-goal haul in the DStv Diski Challenge providing an early indication of his attacking potential.

The goal against RB Leipzig also demonstrated his ability to make an impact against strong opposition, while his appearances at the beginning of the current campaign suggest he is being given an increasingly important role.

For now, Mokoena’s immediate objective will be to maintain his place in Cardoso’s team as Sundowns continue their campaign.

The teenager is expected to compete for another starting position when Sundowns host AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday evening.

The match is scheduled to begin at 19:30, with Mokoena hoping to continue his impressive breakthrough and strengthen his position within the first team.