Mamelodi Sundowns talent Bennet Mokoena itching for game time

Mamelodi Sundowns talent Bennet Mokoena hopes to finally break into the star-studded starting XI ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, where the team will be competing on all fronts.

The 19-year-old striker has established himself as one of the lethal finishers in the country, finishing the 2025/26 Dstv Diski Challenge (DDC) season as the top goal scorer.

Mokoena netted a staggering 22 goals in 26 matches in the reserve league last term, and was three goals shy of matching Boitumelo Radiopane's record of 25 goals in a single campaign.

Reflecting on the stellar season, the Downs centre-forward expressed gratitude to head coach Tiro van Rooyen and teammates for helping him explode into a prolific striker.

“Being the top goal scorer feels really good. I set a target to score as many goals as I could, and I did that. But I have to give credit to my teammates and coaches, as they pushed me everyday,” said Mokoena on Edition 16 of Sundowns Magazine.

"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.

"My goals were to get promoted to the first-team and 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.

Having caught the eye of head coach Miguel Cardoso after scoring four goals in a 5-2 win over Durban City in the DDC, ultimately earning a senior Sundowns debut in September 2025, Mokoena is itching for more game time in the first-team next season.

“That game changed everything. Scoring four goals and then getting a first-team call-up was unbelievable. It boosted my confidence and made me want to work even harder,” the Vaal-born starlet added.

"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.

With red-hot Brayan Leon, Iqraam Rayners, and Peter Shalulile providing stern competition in the no.9 role, it remains to be seen whether Mokoena will be afforded an opportunity in the first-team.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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