Mokoena: Ex-Pirates star worried about incessant pressure on young South African players

Photo Credit - SAFA Media.

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder William Mokoena has raised concerns about the increasing pressure that has bedeviled young South African players in the Premier Soccer League.

Mokoena, popularly known as “Naughty” during his playing days has said that, the high expectations placed on young players in the domestic top flight might have dire consequence on the burgeoning career.

"It's going to be difficult for these youngsters to maintain their good form because too much pressure is being placed on them," Mokoena told KickOff. "These players are feeling the strain, and I don’t think they can handle it.

"Take Mbokazi, for example; he has just entered professional football and hasn't even played 15 games, yet people are already demanding that the Bafana Bafana coaches include him in the AFCON squad.

“That’s a tremendous amount of pressure. If he is selected for AFCON and makes even one mistake, it could end his career. We need to be gentle with these boys and protect them properly.

"It also comes back to the role of their parents. Parents should play a significant role in helping their children grow. Many of these young players do not live with their parents, which gives them too much freedom. Parents need to be firm with them," he added.

"Don’t be intimidated by your child just because they have become famous and are earning money. Your child is still your child, and you know them best.

"When these players begin to behave poorly, both parents and the public often point fingers in the wrong direction, forgetting their own responsibilities.

"It's going to be hard for these boys to manage the increasing pressure week after week. I believe that clubs should involve former players like us to offer guidance. We've been through this, and we have the experience to help them.

"Last weekend, I was watching the Nedbank Cup final with some friends from my neighbourhood, and it was disturbing to hear how they were swearing at the young Mofokeng. I'm glad he couldn’t hear them. That kind of pressure is overwhelming for a young player.

"I'm talking about all youngsters in the PSL, not just those at Orlando Pirates. They all need advice."

Names like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota, Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, and Mfundo Vilakazi have received high praise with many calling Bafana Bafana manager, Hugo Broos to hand invite to some of them.