27 July 2017 – Mamelodi Sundowns assistant coach Rhulani Mokoena has praised the SAB U21 National Championships and predicted that more stars will come out of this year’s edition.

Mokoena is one of the many coaches who have been watching the games at the Nike Centre in Pimville Soweto, where the cream of the crop from the country’s nine provinces, including a USSA Football squad, who are reigning champions are fighting for top honours.

Having successfully scouted players such as Themba Zwane and Keletso Makgalwa in the past, Mokoena said he saw players with a lot of potential.

“What I like about this tournament is that you have 10 teams that offers a lot of good defenders, midfielders, strikers and goalkeepers. When you come here, you know that you will find what you are looking for,” Mokoena said.

“There was anxiety among the players in the beginning but we are seeing players who can play under pressure, under the accumulation of matches and fatigue. This will help us profile the technical and psychological abilities of the players”.

Zwane, who is a graduate of the tournament, has went further in his international career, winning the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns last year, as well as playing in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan last December.

Mokoena was supported by Sundowns chief scout Malombo Lichaba, who was also on the lookout for the country’s next big stars.