Mamelodi Sundowns youngster Bennet Mokoena says he has had to double his effort — both physically and mentally — after experiencing the high intensity of top-flight football for the first time.

Mokoena made his PSL debut last month when Sundowns lost to Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership clash, coming on in the 59th minute for Arthur Sales.

At that stage, Sundowns were already trailing after Junior Dion headed home in the 30th minute for Manqoba Mngqithi’s side.

Reflecting on the difference between the reserve league and the senior team, Mokoena said:

“The difference between the Diski and the first team is the intensity. The intensity is super high, and you have to think fast because there’s no space in between. The space is there, but you need to know what to do before you even get the ball.”

Mokoena was speaking after scoring a stunning free kick for Sundowns’ DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side in their 3–0 victory over AmaZulu at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday. His strike was the team’s third goal before he was substituted soon after, with Sundowns already in full control of the game.

The win allowed Sundowns to close the gap on log leaders Orlando Pirates, who beat Golden Arrows 2–1 on Saturday.

Sundowns now sit second on the DDC table with 13 points from six matches, three behind the Soweto giants.

Mokoena credited his coaches and senior teammates for helping him adapt to first-team demands.

“I didn’t feel any pressure. The coach [Miguel Cardoso] told me to play my football, and the senior guys also encouraged me to stay calm so we could create chances and score.”

Looking ahead, the promising attacker has set clear goals for his career.

“I want to play regularly for the first team, win titles with Sundowns, and then go abroad,” Mokoena said. “I also want to represent the national team at some point — and I know that time will come.”