Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed he told 18-year-old Kutlwano Letlhaku that he would score a brace prior to his match-winning performance against Polokwane City.

Letlhaku was named in the starting lineup and repaid Mngqithi by scoring a brace to secure Sundowns a 2-0 win at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday.

This was the 18-year-old’s first start and first goal in the Betway Premiership to help Sundowns close the gap on leaders Orlando Pirates to three points.

Mngqithi has since explained his decision to start the youngster against Rise and Shine, who recently handed Sundowns their first defeat in the Betway Premiership

“It’s strange in football because sometimes we look like soothsayers,” the coach told SuperSport after the game.

“I told him he’s going to score two goals today, because I had that feeling that in that side of [Tlou] Nkwe, [Lebohang Nkaki], there’s gonna be something that is going to open for us.

“If we’ve got somebody who is dynamic. I could have gone for a more established player but I thought I needed somebody who is willing to take risks. ”

“First-half he could have taken three shots but because he’s a young boy, he’s got respect, he only opened up after he scored.”

Sundowns will now turn their attention to Sunday’s Carling Knockout semi-final against Marumo Gallants.