Veteran former PSL coach Walter Rautmann is in agreement with Jerry Sikhosana about the need to be careful about how man of the moment Relebohile Mofokeng is introduced to the Bafana Bafana set-up.
As reported by KickOff on Friday, the former Orlando Pirates striker has warned about rushing the Nedbank Cup hero into the national team fold following his impressive performances at club level this past season.
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"So, for me, him going to the national team should just be for him to be there, for him to train. Maybe if the team is doing well, maybe give him the last 10, 15 minutes, just to give him confidence. They must not put him in the deep end," said Sikhosana, speaking at the recent launch of the Siyabonga Sangweni Sports Complex in Dondotha, KwaZulu-Natal.
Views have been mixed about this stance, with many on this publication's social media pages expressing the opinion that 'if you are good enough, you are old enough'.
"What if he's our match winner? Just asking. Bt I agree, let's take care of him," commented football legend Leonard Nkosana Xaba on our official Facebook page.
Tumi Sang wrote: "If the coach wants to play him he must be played. Yamal who is 2 years younger than him is already playing big games. Two years down the line Yamal can withstand all sorts of pressures and Rele must play catch ups. No man!"
"He deserves to play. I have never seen him choking in any game he was introduced or started. If Broos want to create a problem for Nigerians defence, then put the boi in the deep end," said Malume Gulfinho.
Rautmann is preaching exercising caution while ensuring the player's development on the international stage.
"Well, it's interesting you're talking about Jerry because just yesterday, I was walking my dogs down the street when someone driving a taxi hooted at me and shouted, 'Hey coach! It's Jerry Sikhosana!' I had not seen him in 20 years.
"Well, I don't think Jerry was harsh. He's right because sometimes you take a youngster too early and you burn him. Look at Phil Foden, they did not use him at Manchester City until he was ready. Then he started getting minutes as a substitute, and the rest is history.
"You know, I was 17 years and two months [old] when I played the UEFA Cup for my team in Austria. They made me a big player in Austria. I was given a chance in three games in the UEFA Cup and I did very well, and from there I carried on all over the world. I don't think 18 is too young.
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"But I don't think you must overuse him by giving him 90 minutes in 12 games [in a row]. But if Bafana are doing well, they're leading, put him in. I wouldn't put him in this evening as it's a tight game, but like I said, if you are 2-0 up, put him in. He will get confidence from that. If you don't play him tonight, then play him in a home game where the crowd is behind him, maybe he can shine and it will give him confidence.
"So, Jerry is not wrong. Because you put him in and things go wrong, he might lose confidence and things will go south from there."
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