Michaelson Ntokozo Gumede

By Ntokozo Gumede

Journalist


Yeye and Furman helped me a lot – Mokoena

SuperSport United youngster Teboho Mokoena has thanked senior players Reneilwe 'Yeye' Letsholonyane and captain Dean Furman for playing what he described as "a huge role" in his development.


The national Under-20 player has enjoyed a fantastic season with the capital city-based side where he often starred in the middle of the park alongside veterans Yeye and Furman.

Regardless of his tender age and relative inexperience to a certain extent, Mokoena is held in high regard and was categorized as a senior player by former coach Stuart Baxter.

Mokoena’s showing in the recently concluded season earned him nominations for the Nedbank Cup Young Player-of-the-Tournament and as the same completion’s Player-of-the-Tournament, both which he is most likely to walk away with as he played an instrumental role in guiding Matsatsantsa A Pitori to the title.

“Yeye and Furman have played a huge role in my career this season,” he told Phakaaathi.

“They have the experience and they are people who I look up to. At training, they are always there for me and the lads, which is very motivating for my part.

“They were the driving factor in my game and I have a good relationship with them and helps me to be able to make a strong combination with either of them.

“Coach Stuart also played a huge role for me this season. He believed in me and continued to show faith in my talent and potential.”

Mokoena was part of Thabo Senong’s squad for for the Under-20 Fifa World Cup hosted by Korea Republic between May and June.

The youngster is expected to return to action for United this Saturday when they host Gabon outfit CF Mounana in the Caf Confederation Cup, after suspension saw him miss his side’s goalless draw in Guinea last week.