Former Kaizer Chiefs star explains why Amakhosi youngsters are not thriving like their Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns' counterparts - 'The level of stress is not the same'

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has explained why it is easy for young players to thrive at Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns as compared to Amakhosi.

The level of pressure at Amakhosi as compared to the pressure at the other two Premier Soccer League sides has been cited as a hindering factor.

“Let’s also keep in mind that the likes of Mofokeng, their team where it’s at, they don’t really have the pressure that the likes of Mdu have in terms of results, team performance, and position in the league," Letsholonyana told iDiski Times.

“So the pressure is not really the same for all these players. It’s much easier when you say Pirates’ young players and Sundowns’ young players go and play when you know that the team is six or nine points on top of the log and competing in Caf competitions," he added.

“So you are playing under less stress and enjoy that little leverage that you are allowed to make mistakes, and you can still come back and recover."

Letsholonyana said the pressure at Chiefs, compounded with the struggle, could affect the players negatively.

“At Chiefs, yes, they are trying very hard to handle the pressure that they have, and you must know that any pressure or any mistake that they make ends up not giving the team results, and that could play negatively in their minds," Letsholonyana continued.

“As much as yes, we should compare apples and apples, I’m saying at this point in time, the level of stress is not the same. That’s me trying to defend them at least (chuckles).”

Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Simphiwe Selepe are the Pirates' youngsters who were impressive in the season.

Although Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba showed moments of individual brilliance, Chiefs' struggles in the PSL did not help brighten their stars.

On the other hand, Sundowns cruised well in the season as they defended their league title, but fell short in the Champions League and in the Nedbank Cup. However, a deep squad and good performances have always shielded their players from scrutiny that would have been witnessed had they generally underperformed.

Pirates and Chiefs have always promoted players from their junior sides into the senior team.

Amakhosi fans will be particularly eager to see which players from the Diski Challenge champions will be promoted.