Playing youngsters not just for optics – Rulani Mokwena

The Brazilians mentor gave 17-year-old Kutlwano Letlhaku his senior team debut against Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup at the weekend with the encounter still goalless.

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Downs eventually won 2-0 to progress to the quarterfinals.

Mokwena argues strongly that he didn’t take the decision just for show.

''It is different case studies and different environments. If I was doing it for show, imagine it was 0-0 and we lost the game 1-0 no one would care,'' said Mokwena.

Just last week Mokwena was asked why the club’s youth graduates were struggling to break into the side, to which he responded they had to earn it.

On the back of Letlhaku being given a chance, the coach told the media there was ongoing consultation at Chloorkop regarding future prospects.

''It's not about that, it's about me watching their games and getting feedback from the DDC coaches, and also hearing from the Sporting Director and coach David.

''I've had them at training, and you guys only see the match and the opportunity on match day,'' added Mokwena. 

A former youth coach himself, Mokwena reveals that the DStv Diski Challenge players were invited to camp and to train with their first team during the AFCON break.

He also uses striker Cassius Mailula, who was sold to USA Major League outfit Toronto FC last year, as an example.

''I had them since the AFCON break, we took them to Polokwane, and they played a couple of friendlies with us.

''When they are ready for our environment, we will play them. We then say the same about Cassius, I played him last season and some said it's for show,'' he concluded.

Mokwena won’t be pressured into fast tracking the young players when they are not ready.