Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has outlined how he plans to keep teenage sensation Kutlwano Letlhaku grounded as the Masandawana prodigy continues to embrace the limelight.
Mngqithi was speaking after Sundowns’ 2-0 win over Polokwane City FC in a Betway Premiership encounter at Loftus Versfield Stadium on Wednesday night.
The 18-year-old netted two goals during the match to help Sundowns get their sweet revenge over the Limpopo side that had beaten Bafana Ba Style 1-0 a fortnight night ago.
Overall, the youngster has scored three goals in seven appearances across all competitions for the Brazilians this season.
WHAT MANQOBA MNGQITHI SAID ABOUT RISING STAR KUTLWANO LETLHAKU
Mngqithi emphasised that the young talent needs to be instilled with the proper values in life and made aware that football is merely a game, ensuring he doesn’t become overwhelmed by the fame he’s gaining.
“I think there’s a lot that helps us. I think we have far too many top players, and that makes the youngsters not sit on their laurels because they know that they still have to fight for their place in the team,” said Mngqithi.
“When Letlhaku scored two goals, he should ask himself questions now: ‘Does this mean I’m better than Lucas [Ribeiro] in that position? And surely, when he looks at that, he will see he still has a lot of work to do, and that grounds our players.
“It’s also important to instil elements of humility within the group because when people think they are special to the point of not respecting the rest of the group, it will always be bad for their development.”
Mngqithi continued: “But, fortunately, Letlhaku and most of these youngsters that we have at the club must be taught the right values in life and made to understand that football is just a game. As human beings, we have the responsibility to keep our feet on the ground because we don’t know what the future holds.”
“It’s very important to respect, show empathy, compromise sometimes, be tolerant, and not always think about yourself. So, I think these boys are grasping those values, and it will help them.”
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