Former Orlando Pirates star Naughty Mokoena is concerned about the pressure facing young players in the Premier Soccer League.
Mokoena believes that the high expectations placed on players like Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Mohau Nkota, Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, and Mfundo Vilakazi could lead to their downfall.
"It's going to be difficult for these youngsters to maintain their good form because too much pressure is being placed on them," Mokoena tells KickOff.
"These players are feeling the strain, and I don’t think they can handle it.
"Take Mbokazi, for example; he has just entered professional football and hasn't even played 15 games, yet people are already demanding that the Bafana Bafana coaches include him in the AFCON squad. That’s a tremendous amount of pressure. If he is selected for AFCON and makes even one mistake, it could end his career. We need to be gentle with these boys and protect them properly.
"It also comes back to the role of their parents. Parents should play a significant role in helping their children grow. Many of these young players do not live with their parents, which gives them too much freedom. Parents need to be firm with them," he added.
"Don’t be intimidated by your child just because they have become famous and are earning money. Your child is still your child, and you know them best.
"When these players begin to behave poorly, both parents and the public often point fingers in the wrong direction, forgetting their own responsibilities.
"It's going to be hard for these boys to manage the increasing pressure week after week. I believe that clubs should involve former players like us to offer guidance. We've been through this, and we have the experience to help them.
"Last weekend, I was watching the Nedbank Cup final with some friends from my neighbourhood, and it was disturbing to hear how they were swearing at the young Mofokeng. I'm glad he couldn’t hear them. That kind of pressure is overwhelming for a young player.
"I'm talking about all youngsters in the PSL, not just those at Orlando Pirates. They all need advice."