Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena believes star Cassius Mailula “can only get better” as he is privileged enough to play alongside some of the best players in the country.

Mailula has been one of Sundowns’ standout players this campaign and has been ever-present in the squad, missing just three matches, while being an unused substitute four times.

The 21-year-old has already contributed to 11 goals, with eight goals and three assists in just 14 appearances across all competitions.

Mokwena believes that his meteoric rise in the first team and his development is a result of having many experienced players around him in the Sundowns camp.

“He can only get better. He’s privileged to be playing with some of the best players in the country and the continent for sure, he gets to experience this and [I am] very proud of him. He’s doing a lot of work with us, lots of video analysis and lots of training,” Mokwena told his club’s official website.

“We have to give these kids a chance, his peers are playing in the World Cup, maybe one or two years too late, but we have to give them an opportunity.

“You’re never too young, I’m a demonstration of that and therefore I also have to give opportunities to people and especially when they show the willingness to be coached, the talent for sure and the work ethic.

“He can only get better by learning and being around some very, very talented football players.”

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