Mokwena reveals bizarre routine that could keep Mailula grounded
“I just tell him to walk barefooted."
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed an uncommon method he has been applying to ensure in-form starlet Cassius Mailula stays grounded.
With Mailula making headlines on the front pages of newspapers regularly and receiving praise for his astonishing performances this season, Mokwena has taken it upon himself to make sure that the youngster doesn’t let fame get to his head.
The 21-year-old is enjoying a dream debut season in the DStv Premiership with nine goals and three assists in all competitions.
Mailula’s meteoric rise continued over the weekend when he rose to the occasion in a big game, scoring the only goal when Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 1-0 to record their 15th consecutive league win.
Addressing the media at a Nedbank Cup event at the PSL headquarters, Mokwena said he told Mailula to walk barefoot, which is advice the Sundowns coach got from his psychologist.
RULANI MOKWENA REVEALS BENEFITS OF WALKING BAREFOOT
“I just tell him to walk barefooted,” said Mokwena as the media burst into laughter, seemingly assuming the Sundowns coach is joking.
Though, Mokwena insisted he was not fooling around and reiterated the importance of barefoot walking.
“Like I tell most of my players, no serious talk; I tell them to take their shoes off and to walk footed.
“That helps, I do it myself, I do a lot of barefooted walking; it helps with everything, with grounding and it’s important.
“It’s part of my routine and it’s one of those advice I give to a lot of the players that they must walk barefooted.
“You can do the research about the details,” added Mokwena.
A study in PubMed as stated by Global Viewpoint in an article defines grounding as “direct skin contact with the surface of the earth and this is achieved through walking barefoot on dirt, grass, or sand.
“Grounding offers many health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced inflammation, improved tissue and cell repair, enhanced blood flow, increased heart rate variability, and improved electrical activity in the brain. In addition, walking barefoot on the ground releases endorphins.
“This can improve our mood and counteract mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety,” the study added.
Furthermore, Mokwena says his psychologist outlined the significance of barefoot walking and it works wonders for his health.
“My psychologist told me once; she says I have to do it and and it helped me big time and so that’s the advice I give to the players.
“It makes an incredible difference, it keeps you extremely grounded, keeps you connected; it’s a good thing,” concluded Mokwena.
The Soweto-born tactician has transformed Sundowns since his appointment as the sole head coach, and it is now evident that it’s not just his tactics behind the winning run but the psychological effects of grounding.
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