Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has weighed in on young defender Xolani Cossa’s readiness for PSL football after a successful stint in Botswana’s top-flight with Black Lions.
Cossa, who came through Amakhosi’s youth side, has been with the Gaborone side since the start of the season.
‘Yeye’ believes the move to ‘Gabs’ has exposed the former Chiefs DDC captain to the demands of senior-team football and to valuable professional experience that could eventually prepare him for a return to South Africa’s elite leagues.
The Matebele FC coach is convinced the 22-year-old has “done fairly well” in his first season in the neighbouring country.
“People might think because it’s the Botswana league, it’s not competitive, but the league is competitive. Where he comes from, he comes from DDC level and then comes this side, where it’s the highest level of football,” he told FARPost.
Despite Black Lions’ struggles this season, Letsholonyane believes the defender has shown promise and maturity beyond his years. “He can be better, he can do better, but obviously he’ll improve because it’s his first season of top-flight football,” he explained.
‘HE’S A FEW STEPS AHEAD’: LETSHOLONYANE ON COSSA
The former Bafana Bafana midfielder added that such moves are important for young South African players seeking growth outside their comfort zones. “When you go back, you look at football differently because you’ve seen something different, and that helps you improve again,” Letsholonyane added.
Letsholonyane also believes the Lions stint has brought Cossa closer to potentially competing in the Betway Premiership.
“Being DDC and then moving this side and playing most of the games definitely puts him closer to competing in bigger leagues.”
However, the former midfielder feels the defender still needs more time before making a breakthrough at the highest level.
“Do I think he’s ready now to go there and make things happen? I don’t think so. But I think he’s a few steps ahead now.”
He further predicted that with continued development, Cossa could emerge as one of the country’s leading left-sided central defenders.
“In the next few months, he’ll be one of the top left centre-backs in the country. Maybe just because he’s focused, disciplined, works hard, and I think he can become one of those top left centre-backs that we have in the country,” concluded Letsholonyane