Rulani Mokwena: ‘Throw them in the deep, they will learn how to swim’
"I try to look at the bigger picture, not exactly where they are but where I think they could be."
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena spoke highly of his emerging attacker Jerome Karelse, who was one of the hot topics of discussion in the Nedbank Cup press conference.
Mokwena says he has been happy with the Diski Challenge star, Karelse, and admires his ability to cope under pressure.
The red-hot Brazilians mentor also had some words of advice for the 21-year-old on how to improve his game to become a better player and deal with the challenges ahead.
Karelse made his debut for the Tshwane giants during their 1-0 win against Orlando Pirates this past weekend at Orlando Stadium in a DStv Premiership game.
Before the Pirates game, Karelse was an unused substitute when Bafana Ba Style played against TS Galaxy and Sekhukhune United, respectively.
WHY RULANI MOKWENA BELIEVES IN JEROME KARELSE
When Mokwena was asked gifted youngster his debut in such a high-profile match against Pirates, he said: “You never know whether they are ready or not. You got to throw them in the deep end, and they try to swim.”
“I said it previously that is good for Karelse to watch his game because there is more he needs to improve on.
“There are so many factors of how a player can reach his full potential.”
The 34-year-old coach continued: “So when I look at young players, I try to look at the bigger picture, not exactly where they are but where I think they could be.
“And Jerome is one of the players that I feel has incredible potential to improve because he has some important weapons already like speed, ability to solve in tight areas, and dribbles which are very important weapons.”
JEROME KARELSE GUNNING FOR DSTV DISKI CHALLENGE GOLDEN BOOT
Karelse, on the other hand, has set sight on the DStv Diski [DDC] Challenge Golden Boot accolade.
So far, the talented attacker has already amassed 10 goals in 14 appearances for the Sundowns DDC side to climb up the top goalscorer charts.
“I have to win this season’s top goal scorer. It really has to happen,” Karelse told SuperSport.
“Last season I had an opportunity but injury derailed me.
“It will take a lot of hard work and consistency, getting something every game, a goal or assist to help the team because is not all about me.”
In the last term, Karelse found the back of the net on seven occasions in nine games until his season succumbed to a premature ending after he sustained an arm injury.
The injury setback saw him ruled out for the remainder of the season.
“Last season my arm broke, and I had to go for an operation. It was very tough being out for the whole season,” added the rising star.
“This injury was a setback but it motivated me a lot. I had to come back stronger.”
RELATED STORY: Rulani Mokwena explains why Sundowns are promoting youngsters