Mamelodi Sundowns see Bennet Mokoena as ‘nine-and-a-half’, says Cardoso

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso believes teenage prospect Bennet Mokoena is best suited to playing behind the main striker rather than as a conventional number nine.

The 19-year-old has continued to feature around Sundowns’ first team, impressing with his versatility and ability to contribute in front of goal. Cardoso says Mokoena has significant potential, but still needs to develop his understanding of the collective demands of the team.

Mokoena was given valuable playing time in Sundowns’ 2-0 win over Milford, prompting questions about the position in which Cardoso expects him to develop. The Portuguese coach suggested that the youngster’s qualities are most effective when he operates between the midfield and attack.

“Bennet is a player that we see with a lot of potential, it’s clear that there are still a lot of things he needs to look for on the understanding of the collective game the team plays, so that he can state himself in the level that we want him to state in the future,” Cardoso said.

The coach also urged patience with Mokoena and fellow young player Siyanda Ndlovu, pointing out that both remain at an early stage of their careers.

“But that is absolutely normal, if you see Siyanda for example, he is 22 years old, Bennet is 19, so we’re speaking about a very young player that has already stated himself at an interesting level, but a lot of work to do.”

Cardoso explains Mokoena role

Cardoso believes regular involvement in competitive matches will be an important part of Mokoena’s progress. The teenager’s opportunities against opposition such as Milford are intended to help him adjust to the demands of first-team football while continuing his development within Sundowns’ system.

“Obviously opportunities like [against Milford] promote that growth quicker and we know that game exposure is a high-level stimulus of development and it’s a job the coaches have to do,” he added.

The Sundowns manager then offered a clearer indication of where he sees Mokoena operating in the team.

“We trust, we believe – I see behind the striker, between the lines.”

Mokoena possesses the instincts of a goalscorer, but Cardoso does not believe his game is based solely on remaining in the penalty area. Instead, he sees the youngster as a player who can link attacks, move into deeper positions and connect with those around him.

“He is very focused on the goal, we know he is a player who can score, but if you could watch him during the last year – most of the games he was not really a number nine in a clear [sense],” Cardoso explained.

The coach contrasted Mokoena’s role with that of Brayan Leon, who he described as a more fixed attacking presence.

“Brayan Leon stays more in the position, that plays forward. He is a player that connects, that drops, that is the profile.

“So for us, I see him more as a nine-and-a-half – if you understand the metaphor – rather than a clear nine,” he said.

Cardoso’s comments suggest Sundowns are prepared to give Mokoena time to grow into the role instead of immediately defining him as a traditional centre-forward. The club believes his recent performances have provided encouraging signs, while acknowledging that further work is required before he reaches the level expected of him.

“The main goal, he’s a good player and Sundowns has a player for the future and right now,” Cardoso concluded. “He’s been giving answers, and I think positive ones.”