Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder reveals why he was 'nervous' and scared of facing Borussia Dortmund - 'It was a huge thing for me'

Mamelodi Sundowns youngster Kutlwano Letlhaku has revealed why he was fearful when he was thrown into action against Borussia Dortmund at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The 19-year-old benefited from changes head coach Miguel Cardoso made in the second half as he was introduced as a substitute. Before he was thrown into action, Letlhaku said he felt fear when Cardoso informed him he would be introduced.

One of the reasons that made him fearful was the sheer size of Dortmund's defender Niklas Sule.

“I was nervous, and I was scared entlek [actually], I was scared to play against them, but Coach came to me and told me that he’s thinking of putting me in, I shouldn’t have pressure, and I should just enjoy the football, so it made me feel calm to play,” Letlhaku said as per iDiski Times.

“Dortmund is a very big team in the world, so playing against them was a huge thing for me—and one thing happened: when I went in, I went straight to Süle, then I looked up and thought, ‘Yoh, this guy is huge."

“So, it made me feel I have to work very hard to be here, so getting that assist was just a cherry on top. I must just be grateful," he added.

“Coach said maybe I can give him something so he trusts me, and he said Themba is very tired, so maybe I can go in and help the team, so I was just… I was just grateful to him; that’s why I went up to him and hugged him for giving me the opportunity.”

The 19-year-old was given a taste of the Club World Cup when he was introduced to replace Themba Zwane in the 86th minute.

Even though he admits he was nervous and scared, he went on to register an assist in a game that Masandawana lost 4-3. He provided the assist in Sundowns' third goal as the Premier Soccer League side attempted to mount what could have been a big comeback.

The Dortmund loss was Sundowns' only defeat in the tournament, and this was a blow to their dream of reaching the knockout stage.

The Brazilians needed a win against Fluminense in the last group game to proceed, but they were held to a goalless draw.

He hopes that the assist against Dortmund will open the door for bigger achievements in his budding career.

Already an African champion with Amajita, the future is surely bright for the Mzansi youngster.