Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has highlighted the intense psychological pressure facing young players at his former club.
He believes it’s significantly tougher than what their counterparts at Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns experience.
While talents like Relebohile Mofokeng at Orlando Pirates and several Sundowns youngsters have flourished in both domestic and continental competitions, Letsholonyane says the environment at Chiefs demands greater mental resilience from their emerging stars.
Speaking to iDiski Times, Letsholonyane – who also serves as the assistant coach for South Africa’s Under-17 national team – explained that the scrutiny and expectations at Chiefs leave little room for mistakes.
“At Pirates and Sundowns, young players get to perform with their teams already on top of the league or excelling in the CAF Champions League. That gives them the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them,” Letsholonyane explained.
“But at Chiefs, every error is magnified, and the consequences are immediate – missed points, fan frustration, and a drop in morale.”
He pointed out that at Sundowns and Pirates, the safety net of team success allows for a more forgiving environment.
“At Chiefs, however, the expectations are sky-high, and every young player has to learn to survive in the deep end. The pressure to perform can affect their self-belief, and that mental challenge is a huge part of why it’s harder for Chiefs’ youngsters to thrive,” Letsholonyane added.
While fans often compare young players across clubs, Letsholonyane insists that context matters.
“It’s not apples to apples. But at the end of the day, this is what shapes the character of these players. Those who make it through at Chiefs often come out stronger.”