Coach Rulani Mokwena has urged Mamelodi Sundowns fans to show patience in their expectations of Lesiba Nku as he tipped the attacker to soon make a meaningful impact for the Brazilians.
The 27-year-old midfielder joined the Brazilians at the start of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season from Marumo Gallants and made 25 appearances across all competitions so far with three goals and one assist.
Nku made cameo appearances from the bench in Sundowns’ previous two encounters with Mokwena tipping the winger to soon show his potential.
“There was a time when Real Madrid signed Luka Modric and the Real Madrid fans were not so convinced,” Mokwena said.
“It’s funny, the Sundowns fans forget very quickly how Neo Maema came and there were also question marks.
“How Khuliso Mudau came, there were question marks I can go on and on.
“But they improved because of coaching and the work that we do behind the scenes and I’m just pleading with the Sundowns supporters to be a bit more patient with Lesiba Nku.
“He’s got so many weapons. Players like Lesiba Nku succeed in football at big clubs because they’ve got weapons,” Mokwena explained.
“He dribbles, he is fast, he defends, he counter-presses, he is always in the box.
“Lesiba Nku always runs into the box from the wide positions, a player with those types of qualities for a big club is a huge asset.
“And there is just adaptation that needs to take place because he’s in part two of his development in his career.
“In his education also there is a little bit of trauma, you must understand, you were playing for a team that’s fighting relegation and gets relegated.
“And you are a key player of course there is a sense of accountability that takes place. So, psychologically you’ve got to overcome that before you have to adapt to playing for a big club.
“There is so much that is happening but my plea is to be patient you will understand why Lesiba Nku was signed at Sundowns.
“I’m just asking Sundowns fans to be a bit patient with Lesiba Nku,” Mokwena concluded.
