Mamelodi Sundowns defender Motjeka Madisha says he has improved his game playing alongside the likes of Wayne Arendse and Ricardo Nascimento.

The 22-year-old impressed during his debut season with the first team, scoring two goals from 20 appearances in all competitions after being promoted from the MultiChoice Diski Challenge team.

The defender was also one of three nominees for the Absa Premiership Young Player of the Season at the PSL wards on Monday.

Madisha believes that he has improved his defensive work rate playing alongside the likes of Wayne Arsendse and Ricardo Nascimento.

‘I learned how to defend properly and to lead the team. You know defenders win you the league and striker’s win you the game so for me learning from those players has helped me to improve certain things,’ Madisha said.

The former Highlands Park defender says that he will need to continue to work hard in order to cement his place in the Sundowns starting line up

‘Being a Sundowns player there are certain challenges that I need to face and being a youngster is also a challenge in its own,’ he added.

‘I’m playing with experienced players like Wayne Arendse and Ricardo Nascimento.

‘I’m still learning a few things from them and for me, it’s a privilege to work with such wonderful people and I believe next season will still be difficult for me to cement the position in the first team.

‘But through hard work and being humble anything it’s possible for me.

‘There is still a room for improvement, I still have to improve here and there and I will be working on it and one day I will want to see myself improving those elements and it will also help me improve as a footballer.’

Photo:  Sydney Mahlangu /BackpagePix