Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has clarified his recent remarks about in-form attacker Cassius Mailula.
In a press conference last week, Mokwena raised eyebrows as he stated that he would have loved to see Mailula compete with his agemates in the U23 national team, not at Bafana Bafana level.
According to Mokwena, his reason for preferring Mailula with the U23s was because the young talent was going to gain more experience and get more game time, unlike at Bafana.
The 21-year-old came in as a substitute twice against Liberia in the back-to-back AFCON qualifiers last month.
RULLANI MOKWENA SAYS HE WAS ‘MISINTERPRETED’
“Maybe I was misinterpreted because a lot of people thought I was saying Cassius is not ready for Bafana,” said Mokwena.
“But how can Cassius be ready to play for Sundowns against Al Ahly. Who makes that decision, then I contradict myself and say he’s not ready
“If you remember even in the beginning parts of the season I’ve said this very clearly. Offensive players get better by being on the pitch, you can’t simulate these things.
“I would have loved to see Cassius on the pitch for 90 minutes against Congo, even away than to have him come in 15-20 minutes for Bafana.
“Intensity, pressure to help the nation qualify. These are games of consequence. I would have loved him to get those 90 minutes and carry the national team, be under pressure because that would have helped him to be better to improve and get that experience.”
MAILULA’S RED HOT FORM
Mailula has been consistent throughout the season in front of goal for Sundowns, scoring 14 goals in 25 matches in all competitions.
He played high-profile matches in the DStv Premiership and the CAF Champions League. This made it difficult for the national team coach Hugo Broos to overlook him in his squad.
RELATED STORY: Rulani Mokwena weighs in on relegation battle
