How PSL-title winning Kaizer Chiefs coach turned Bafana Bafana & Mamelodi Sundowns star Teboho Mokoena into top class midfielder amid stiff competition with Reneilwe Letsholonyane

Former Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport United, and Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter shared insights about how he carefully managed the introduction of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena into senior football.

At the time, Mokoena was a promising teenager with immense potential. The English mentor emphasized the importance of gradually integrating him into the team to build confidence and understanding.

Since his promotion in 2016, the now 27-year-old Mokoena has grown into one of South Africa’s top midfielders. He is currently a key player for Manqoba Mngqithi and an integral part of the national team setup.

His journey from a youngster to a household name highlights his talent and discipline.

Baxter’s approach ensured Mokoena developed the right technical and mental attributes for success. Today, the Bafana Bafana international is admired for his consistency and leadership on the field.

"You cannot really tell youngsters are going to be successful or not. We thought ‘Tebza’ was going to be a top player, but you can’t be certain. But when Tebza came through, I had a conversation with Stan Matthews [SuperSport CEO], that, ‘We’ve got to deal with these young players properly’,” Baxter said in an interview on Mike Morton Talks Football YouTube Channel as reported by Soccer Laduma.

"Because you don’t just throw young players in, they sink or swim, some sink, some swim. Tebza trained with Yeye [Reneilwe Letsholonyane], Dean [Furman], yourself [Michael Morton], all these top players, he learned from them and then sat on the bench. Then he came in for ten minutes, then came in for a half [45 minutes], played a friendly and started.

"Then when Yeye or Dean got injured, or yellow cards, he plays instead of [either of them]. He was learning. That humility you demand from him at that time, you go to him and say he should be on the bench [when regulars returned], Tebza understood that. He had the right mental makeup, technical and tactical, he went through the right path. We didn’t just throw him and say, ‘Here you go,’” the former Matsatsantsa mentor revealed.

Teboho Mokoena has become a regular fori Sundowns and the national team.

His consistent performances make him one of South Africa's most valuable players.

With the upcoming Afcon in Morocco and the Fifa Club World Cup in the USA, Mokoena has major opportunities to showcase his talent on the global stage.

By continuing to impress at club and international levels, he can attract scouts from Europe.

A move abroad would be the next big step in his already impressive career.

Mokoena will shift his focus to Mamelodi Sundowns’ next game against Maniema Union in the Caf Champions League.

Despite the disappointment of losing the Carling Knockout final in Bloemfontein on November 23, he has a lot more to play for.

The continental competition offers a chance to redeem himself and help Sundowns start their group stage campaign strongly.

His experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through the competition.

A strong performance could also help keep Mokoena on the radar of international scouts.