Mamelodi Sundowns winger Kutlwano Letlhaku has revealed what coach Miguel Cardoso told him when he was struggling for game-time earlier this season.
Letlhaku, 20, spent some time playing in the reserve team in the DStv Diski Challenge this campaign when he found minutes with the first team hard to come by.
- ALSO READ: Cardoso Outlines Crucial Pleas To The PSL
- Onyango Opens Up On Sharing All Prize Monies At Sundowns
The young left-footer made 18 appearances across all competitions, featuring predominantly during the second half of the campaign, including both legs of the CAF Champions League final.
Letlhaku revealed that Cardoso advised him never to take playing in the reserves for granted, alerting him that his contributions would be crucial towards the business end of the season.
“The coach came to me and told me that at the end of the season, he would need me the most,” he told Thabiso Mosia on Radio 2000.
“He told me I mustn’t look down on the DDC games and being on the stands. I just kept my attitude [positive] and I continued to work hard.”
‘Why I Missed DDC Final Vs Pirates’
Sundowns’ DDC side were chasing Orlando Pirates for the reserve league title, where a win would’ve seen them lift the trophy, by Letlhaku revealed that Cardoso insisted on him helping in the first team.
“When the games came [towards the end of the season], I remember as DDC we were supposed to play Orlando Pirates DDC team, the coach said I won’t go there, I must play the [first team’s] league game against Siwelele.
“The players were angry because at Sundowns we want trophies, whether it’s DDC, we should be the best team.
“But then I said I can’t do anything because it was my chance and I needed to grab it. I played my heart out and we won.
“My confidence started growing as well.”