Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso demands merit-based selection as Bennet Mokoena earns chance

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says no player will be given preferential treatment, despite suggesting promising youngsters such as Bennet Mokoena could have a bigger role this season.

Mokoena, 20, started Sundowns’ opening match of the campaign against Polokwane City in the MTN8 after impressing during pre-season. Cardoso said the midfielder’s place was earned through his performances, rather than his age or status within the squad.

The youngster made only two senior-team appearances last season, but has become one of the club’s players to watch after showing encouraging form before the new campaign.

“Bennet played because he was good in the pre-season. I don’t make favours to players. I don’t put players to play because they are young or older. I have to analyse performance and I will give space as performance appears,” Cardoso told media after the clash against Rise and Shine.

The Portuguese coach added that younger players may require greater patience, while making clear that opportunities at Sundowns still have to be justified on the pitch.

“Naturally, from a young player, we have to be more tolerant. I think he had an interesting game. In the pre-season, he had beautiful games and you saw him here with Leipzig, he made a wonderful game. He is an important asset for the club for the future and it’s my obligation as a coach to give him opportunity to state themselves in the squad and become important players for the future.

“I think he totally deserved to play today. The group recognises his capacity.”

Mokoena was also involved when Sundowns faced Leipzig during pre-season, where Cardoso felt he delivered an outstanding performance. The coach believes that experience, along with his wider preparation for the campaign, demonstrated that the youngster is capable of competing for a place in a highly competitive squad.

The young striker could be handed another opportunity when Sundowns take on TS Galaxy in the Betway Premiership at Mbombela Stadium this evening.

Mokoena’s form has already attracted attention at youth level. He scored 22 goals in the DStv Diski Challenge last season, but is still waiting to open his account for Sundowns’ senior team.

Cardoso’s selection policy means Mokoena will need to continue producing performances if he is to establish himself in the first team. The coach’s comments, however, indicate that age will not prevent the forward from being considered when his displays merit inclusion.

For now, Mokoena’s place in the starting line-up against Polokwane City represents an important step in his development at Mamelodi Sundowns. His next chance against TS Galaxy could provide another opportunity to show that he can make the transition from prolific youth player to regular senior-team contributor.