Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena has blown his own horn, boldly stating that he is a big player.
Mokoena joined Sundowns in January from Tshwane rivals SuperSport United, and he walked straight into the starting line-up at the star-studded side.
The Bafana Bafana international, Mokoena has made the central midfield position his own, keeping out highly-rated stars such as Andile Jali, Bongani Zungu, Sphelele Mkhulise, Mothobi Mvala, and Sipho Mbule.
Mokoena has managed to make 16 appearances in all competitions with two goals and two assists to his name since penning a three-and-a-half-year deal with an option of an additional year at Chloorkop.
Mokoena has no doubt in his abilities and firmly believes that he is a top footballer; hence Sundowns acquired his services.
The 25-year-old was not voted by the fans to be in the starting XI in the Carling Cup set to be played on Saturday at FNB Stadium in Soweto.
I’M A BIG PLAYER – MOKWENA
“At Mamelodi Sundowns, we have a bunch of creative players; I won’t falter the fans for voting for them,” he told the media at the Carling Cup press conference at Chloorkop.
“And as for me, whether I’m a big player or not, all I know is that I know that I’m a big player, and I don’t need anyone to tell me that. That’s why I joined Sundowns and that’s why I’m playing,” declared Mokoena, who has already won the DStv Premiership title and Nedbank Cup with the Tshwane giants.
Mokoena also insisted his relationship with the players he is competing with in central midfield position is good.
“We have a good relationship with the guys, especially Bongs [Zungu], Sphola [Mbule], Pitso [Sphelele Mkhulise],” he said.
Furthermore, Rulani Mokwena echoed Mokwena’s sentiments that the Bethlehem-born star is a big player.
MOKOENA IS AN INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEING, SAYS RULANI
“Mokoena is such an incredible human being with a good heart that looks after his teammates, coaches and even his family,” added Mokoena.
“Maybe the word modest I can’t use anymore because he spoke about himself being a big player. And it is true.
“And big players produce. I don’t have to take you too far. Against Royal AM, there is a sprint that comes 15 metres from the halfway line onto Thabo Matlaba. You know who dispossesses Matlaba? It is Teboho Mokoena
“It was a big player run with intensity and aggression with the attitude of saying, ‘I’m a big player’. And we ended up scoring.
“That, for me, is not only a sign that he is a big player. But that he is a good human being because he is at service…” he said.
Sundowns will take on AmaZulu in the first semi-final of the Beer Cup at 9:30. Kaizer Chiefs will then take on Orlando Pirates in the later game in the Soweto Derby.
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