Ben Cabango

Steve Cooper looking to unlock Cabango's potential

20th March
First team

Steve Cooper believes Ben Cabango has a lot more potential to unlock after signing a new contract at Swansea City.

The centre-back has penned a new deal that will keep him at the Liberty Stadium until the summer of 2023.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a hugely impressive breakthrough season in SA1, making 16 appearances under Cooper.

With his previous deal due to expire in 2021, Cabango has agreed a two-year extension.

And Cooper feels there is a lot more to come from the Wales Under-21 international.

“We’ve been delighted with Ben’s progress. We quickly realised in preseason that he was a player with potential, so we got him into the first-team programme as quickly as possible with a view to give him opportunities in League Cup games,” said the Swans head coach.

“Every opportunity he has had, he’s taken with both hands. It’s one thing giving an opportunity, it’s another taking it.

Ben Cabango

“He has had a baptism of fire in senior football here. He came on to make his league debut at half-time at Huddersfield, while he played in the derby at Cardiff alongside Ben Wilmot – a 19-year-old and 20-year-old partnership in central defence.

“He’s also had physical challenges to deal with in the form of a hernia problem, which he’s had to manage, while he’s been in and out of the first team.”

Cooper added: “It was important to get him tied down to a longer contract – it allows us to continue improving him. He has got a lot of improving to do, and we want to maximise his potential and talent.

“He’s an exciting player, and another Welsh player to come through the academy which everyone loves to see, but there is a lot more hard work ahead.

“What this also does is provide further hope for players in the academy who are striving to earn the same opportunities that Ben has had.”