Teboho Mokoena’s former coach at youth level, Pitso Mokoena, has expressed concern over the midfielder’s recent contract extension with Mamelodi Sundowns.
On Saturday, Sundowns announced that the Bafana Bafana star has signed a new five year contract that will see him at the club until 2029.
The box-to-box midfielder was once linked with a move away from Sundowns. There were rumours that some overseas teams were keen to sign him. In the end, the Tshwane giants convinced Mokoena to extend his stay. The 27-year-old has been displaying great, consistent performances for Masandawana since joining from crosstown rivals SuperSport United in 2022.
All-in-all, the talented midfielder has made 93 appearances for the Brazilians netting nine goals and grabbing seven assists in the process. In addition, Mokoena has helped Sundowns to win five titles: three DStv Premiership titles [now called the Betway Premiership], one Nedbank Cup and the inaugural African Football League [AFL].
PITSO ON TEBOGO MOKOENA SIGNING A FIVE-YEAR DEAL AT SUNDOWNS
Pitso Mokoena, who played a pivotal role in Mokoena’s development at Harmony Academy, believes the midfielder’s long-term commitment to the Brazilians could hinder his growth as a player.
In an interview with FARPost, Pitso said that he is worried about ‘Tebza as he believes a move abroad would have been beneficial for both Mokoena and the national team.
In addition, coach Pitso expected Mokoena to leave Sundowns on good terms and look for greener pastures elsewhere. However, the new long-term deal has limited his chances of sealing a move abroad unless a team comes and triggers his buyout clause.
“What can we say? It’s all about money; it’s all about the future,” Pitso Mokoena told FARPost. “I was expecting that the boy was going to leave Sundowns, but not in a bad way. This was going to help our national team as well. Then, he decided to stay at Sundowns after he was offered a new deal.
“I’m worried now as to when he will leave, considering his age. He’s around 27, and they have given him a five-year contract, it will expire when he’s 32.
“I don’t see him going overseas now, unless there is a team that can come and buy him out of his contract, which I think it’s very impossible.”
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