A Season of Ups and Downs, A Season of Lessons

“A Season of Ups and Downs, A Season of Lessons”

Kutlwano Letlhaku reflects on his dream debut season in the Sundowns first team.

Author: Erica Mathye

At just 19 years old, Kutlwano Letlhaku couldn’t have asked for a better start to life as a professional footballer. Promoted to the Mamelodi Sundowns senior team at the beginning of the 2024/25 season, the young midfielder made an instant impact, featuring in every major competition. From the Betway Premiership to the CAF Champions League, MTN8, Nedbank Cup, Carling Black Label Knockout, and the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup.

Fresh off a triumphant AFCON U20 title win with Amajita, Letlhaku joined the first-team squad in the USA and seized his opportunity on the global stage, providing a brilliant assist in a thrilling 4–3 encounter against Borussia Dortmund.

He sat down with the Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine team to reflect on an unforgettable season and share lessons from his biggest moments yet.

Mamelodi Sundowns Digital Magazine (MSDM): How was your overall experience in your first season of being a first-team player? Did your achievements and performances exceed your expectations?

Kutlwano Letlhaku (KL): My overall experience in my first season was fantastic. It was a season of lessons, a season of ups and downs, and a season of success. You know, in football, you have to learn through the ups and downs. I can say that I met the goals and objectives I set for myself. In the end, we finished the season with the league title and I played in the FIFA Club World Cup. I wouldn’t have asked for a better experience.

MSDM: How did you feel when you learnt you were part of the Club World Cup squad?

KL: Knowing that not every player would go to the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup, in my mind, I didn’t think I would be part of the squad. I remember seeing my name on the list and it was an amazing feeling of joy and pride. I was looking forward to going there and, I remember thinking, If I got a chance, I will showcase my talent.

MSDM: How was your overall experience in the USA?

KL: Top experience overall. The USA is one of the best places in the world. I was dreaming the whole time about playing in the tournament, and that dream came true. I ended up playing against one of the best teams in the world.

MSDM: What are some of the lessons you learnt at the tournament?

KL: The game is a game of fine margins. You need to take your chances. In fact, take every chance you get, because against top opposition, you get punished. Mistakes are costly. The other big lesson for me was to always believe in yourself no matter what. If you believe in something, put your mind to it, work hard, and you will achieve it. Never underestimate yourself. Before I went into the game, Coach Miguel told me: “Believe you’ll have a good game. You already know how to play.” That stuck with me.

MSDM: What is your favourite moment of the tournament?

KL: Just playing against Dortmund was an unreal moment. That’s a top team. Coming on as a substitute and getting an assist was the cherry on top of a big moment. The Lucas Ribeiro goal in that game was also a beautiful moment for me. What a goal. What a player. I’d say those were my two favourite moments.

MSDM: As we start preparing for the next season, what are your goals?

KL: The goals are always the same: approach each game to collect points and challenge for every trophy we compete in.

From a personal level, my goal is to help the team in every way I can. I don’t want to tie myself to statistics, but I’ll do everything I can to help the team. If that means goals and assists, then that’s great too.

From the academy fields to the international stage, Kutlwano has had a dream start to life in the top flight. With that dream debut season behind him, he now looks ahead to the future, carrying the lessons, confidence, and hunger to do even more in the colours of Masandawana.

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