Mokwena vows to be patient with Karelse

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena believes young striker Jerome Karelse is one for the future, but he needs a little bit of patience.

Karelse has been a breath of fresh air in the DStv Diski Challenge this season. Last season his campaign was halted by a long-term injury which kept him out for the rest of the campaign.

On his return, he has been dazzling, scoring 11 goals to become the Diski challenge leading goal scorer.

His hard work in the reserve league has been noticed, as he was recently rewarded with a call-up to the Sundowns' first team.

He travelled with the team to Mpumalanga last week and was on the bench against TS Galaxy.

On Saturday, Karelse was also on the bench when the first team played against Sekhukhune United.

Coach Mokwena said he is not going to rush the promising striker.

"Jerome same with Cassius [Mailula], he's got a very bright future," Noted Mokwena.

"We are trying to teach Jerome a lot of things. He needs a bit of time and patience but it is gonna come."

There is a possibility of seeing more youngsters from Sundowns reserves being roped into the first team, following in the steps of Mailula, Sphelele Mkhulise, and Promise Mkhuma, who started in the reserves to the first team.

In the PSL January window, Sundowns are the only team that did not buy new players.

Mokwena added: "We have to do more in terms of giving opportunities to these kids. It is important. Not just for the sake of supporters but also for the return investment for the club. The club put a lot of resources into that space."

"When a lot of people are going out to look for players, the first for us is to start the [in development] maybe that is because I am victim of my past as former youth coach hence, I start by looking at the club academy."

Karelse could be on the bench again on Saturday when Sundowns face Orlando Pirates in the DStv Premiership fixture of the weekend at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.