'The curse of the rising star': Sundowns coach warns against 'overhyping' talented young duo

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Rhulani Mokwena has asked for the "protection" of young players such as Siyabonga Mabena and Cassius Mailula, as both players gained massive popularity due to their performances for the club's senior team.

The 16-year-old Mabena made his DStv Premiership debut last month against Royal AM after showcasing his talent for the club's DStv Diski Challenge side. Mokwena promoted the young player to the club's senior team, giving him his first taste of top-flight football.

Meanwhile, Mailula has netted 14 goals with eight assists in 22 appearances across all competitions for the club. The 21-year-old also received his maiden Bafana call-up during the FIFA international break in March and debuted for the national team against Liberia at Orlando Stadium.

However, despite the obvious talent the two players possess, Mokwena warns about shining the spotlight on the players so early in their professional careers.

"We kill these talents by overhyping them, and then they think they've arrived all of a sudden," Mokwena said after Sundowns were held to a goalless draw by Cape Town City at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday.

"And then what happens? It's the curse of the rising star. You know, the rising star … it sounds cliche, but it's true. It's the curse of the rising star.

"How many years has Themba Zwane (33) been doing this? Peter Shalulile (29) has had a marvellous level of consistency for the past five years for Highlands Park and Sundowns.

"But I am being asked about Mabena. We should not be talking about Mabena. He has not done enough. We must focus on the people who have been consistent for many years.

"The youngsters need a little bit of protection. We are not a country that is known to produce world-class