Sphelele Mkhulise singled out for special praise by coach

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane singled out midfielder Sphelele Mkhulise for special praise after the 1-0 over AmaZulu on Tuesday night.

The 23-year-old has enjoyed some game time with the first team in the current season, after spending some time away on loan.

He started against Usuthu, lasting just 55 minutes, which proved enough to impress his mentor.

Sphelele Mkhulise draws praise from Pitso Mosimane

After the win, Mosimane expressed how pleased he was with the strides the youngster has made since returning to Chloorkop.

“We just took the three points and went home. We still dominated the game to be honest. We played to win, they put a little bit of pressure the last ten minutes its normal, they went for everything,” Mosimane told SuperSport TV after the game.

“So I’m happy with all the guys who played. Young Mkhulise, he’s growing progressively. He is unbelievable. We need to manage him. Don’t get too excited.

“He’s coming up very well. What can I say, I’m happy we scored the goal, we fought for it. They could’ve scored also, let’s be honest. Let’s give them credit.”

Pitso Mosimane

The rise of Mkhulise

Mkhulise has risen through the ranks at Sundowns, and first caught the public eye while featuring in the reserves league in 2016.

He has had a couple of loan spells, spending the 2016/17 campaign in the National First Division with Black Leopards, before being loaned out to Richards Bay FC the following season.

The starlet was back with the Tshwane giants’ first team last season, but was used rather sparingly.

He made just four appearances in all competitions, starting in just two.

In the ongoing campaign, Mkhulise has been involved far more, making ten appearances in all competitions – also featuring in Sundowns last four matches.

The player’s only goal of the season came in the Caf Champions League preliminary round encounter against Cote d’Or from the Seychelles.

Sundowns now turn their attention back to the continental competition, where they will be hosting Angola’s Petro de Luanda on Saturday night.

Kick off is at 21:00 (SAST).