Mamelodi Sundowns striker Bennet Mokoena has opened up on his ambitions after an explosive season with the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side, as well as breaking into the Madandawana star-studded first team.
The attacker, who turned 19 on Thursday, capped a sensational season as the DDC top goal-scorer with 22 goals in 26 matches. It was a season in which Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso promoted him to the first team.
Making his professional football debut in a Betway Premiership match against Golden Arrows in September 2025, Mokoena made just two PSL appearances. He then signed off the season by contributing a goal in the 3-1 Red Bull Diski Last Namba win over Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The Vaal-born forward played the entire 90 minutes as he sent a message to coach Cardoso, trying to convince the Portuguese coach to make him a regular next season, while also hinting at what to expect from him. With the likes of Peter Shalulile and Lebo Mothiba facing an uncertain future at Chloorkop, Mokoena could have a fighting chance to become a key striker in the Sundowns squad.
BENNET MOKOENA TAKING THE DDC BY STORM
While Orlando Pirates clinched the DDC title, Mokoena’s goals were not enough to fire Sundowns to the champions’ podium. However, he still claimed the Golden Boot—an achievement he credits his reserve team coach, Tiro van Rooyen, for.
“Being the top goal scorer feels really good. I set a target to score as many goals as I could, and I did that,” Mokoena told the Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine.
“But I have to give credit to my teammates and coaches, as they pushed me every day. Coach Tiro van Rooyen especially motivated me to enjoy football and give my best in every session and every match. Each goal comes from an assist. I am thankful that my teammates believed in me.”
BENNET MOKOENA’S SUNDOWNS FIRST TEAM AMBITIONS ACHIEVED, NEW GOALS SET
Now that the teenager is a Sundowns first-team player, he has set himself a target to become a regular in Cardoso’s squad.
“My goals were to get promoted to the first team, be an influential player, and win the league with the team. We did not win the league, but we scored the most goals, and I am proud of that. I reached most of the targets I set for myself,” added Mokoena.
“It felt surreal [training with the senior squad]. My family was proud because they knew how much I wanted this. Being around experienced players helped me improve my intensity, my performance and even my mindset off the field.
“I just want to keep improving, keep learning and hopefully get more first-team minutes. I want to enjoy football and keep growing.”
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