Cabango | I want to repay the faith shown in me

Ben Cabango wants to develop as an on and off-field leader to repay the faith Swansea City and Steve Cooper have shown in him.

The teenage defender has signed a two-year contract extension to keep him at the Liberty Stadium until 2023 on the back of an impressive breakthrough campaign at first-team level.

The 19-year-old has made 16 appearances in total since making his debut in the Carabao Cup win over Northampton back in August.

His Championship debut followed against Huddersfield, with his appearance as a half-time substitute making him the first player born in the 21st century to represent the club in league action.

He and Joe Rodon have formed a solid centre-half pairing in recent weeks, and Wales Under-21 international Cabango is delighted to have his long-term future secured.

“It’s a big boost for me, without a doubt, and it means a lot to have the club show that faith in me,” he said.

“At the start of the season I was hoping I would get a first-team opportunity, maybe in the League Cup, but I could never have expected to be involved as regularly as I have.

“The gaffer has been great with me, he has been from day one in Spain back in pre-season

“He has always made clear what he wants from me, and made clear he would give me the opportunity because he believed I could perform at this level.

“Then it was down to me to take those chances, and I like to think I have and I hope this new deal is a reflection on that.

“Swansea have shown a lot in faith in me, so has the gaffer, and I want to make sure I repay that.”

Cabango has shown a calm that belies his tender years, and his maturity is obvious when he outlines the area he wants to improve on in the years ahead in SA1.

“I think the big thing for me is to develop my leadership, on and off the pitch,” he added.

“I am a young player and I have a lot to learn in that area. The boys are good with me, but growing my experience and knowledge will allow me to have more input and bring more to the table.

“When I talk about leadership, I don’t mean just being loud in the dressing room, it’s about how you conduct yourself, how you handle situations whether they are good or bad.

“That’s one of a number of areas I feel I can develop in and offer more in.”