Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena has explained why he has been cautious with the praise of young striker Cassius Mailula. The 21-year old has been a revelation for Sundowns this season, scoring eight goals in 14 appearances in all competitions, including the opener in the Tshwane side’s 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United.
Mokwena has warned of what he calls ‘the curse of the rising star’, where too much attention and praise can lead to a player’s downfall. He has instead urged patience and protection for Mailula, citing the example of Percy Tau, the late Motjeka Madisha and Sphelele Mkhulise, who were all allowed to develop without too much ‘glitz and glam’.
“Cassy still has a lot of potential,” said Mokwena in a press conference. “I’m very cautious about the young ones, I plead always for patience, protect them, put them a little bit in the space where you don’t give them too much attention and too much limelight, spotlight and allow them to come through and grow.”
“If they have that environment, very similar to how Percy (Tau) had, not a lot of glitz and glam, Madisha the late, not a lot of glitz and glam. Mkhulise, not a lot of glitz and glam, came through the ranks, when he needed the shine he got the shine,” he added.
Mokwena concluded by saying that Mailula still has a lot to improve, and that he needs to be protected from too much attention.
