Cape Town City head coach Eric Tinkler surprisingly admitted that he should have brought on 17-year-old Luphumlo Sifumba earlier during City's loss to Pirates.
The teenager, who was the youngest player at DStv Compact Cup last year already has reputation that precedes him.
Sifumba was voted among the 60 most highly-rated talents in the world by The Guardian in 2022 and became the first South African footballer to be signed to international sports agency Roc Nation Sports, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Eric Baily and Romelu Lukaku among others.
Proud of you, Kaka ??
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) April 24, 2023
???? 17yr old Luphumlo Sifumba made his first appearance in the #DStvPrem this past weekend. pic.twitter.com/E3BuY8QtpQ
Sifumba was brought on for his debut with just six minutes to play as the Citizens fell 2-1 to Pirates at Orlando Stadium on Saturday night at Orlando Stadium and speaking to journalists after the match, Tinkler believes the youngster could helped his side had he been given more playing time.
"With regards to Sifumba, today I probably made a mistake, I should have brought him on earlier," Tinkler conceded.
"I think in the little time that you saw [Sifumba playing], on the ball [he is] very comfortable, didn't give it away and I think he could have helped us.
READ | "He's finding joy," - Riveiro hails revived Lorch despite fresh setback
"But you know, it's [against] Pirates. We were under a lot of pressure in the middle so you worry but I thought the youngster came in and should good character, showed good confidence, good composure and I think he has a bright future.
"But step-by-step, lets not be silly [overhype]."
Meanwhile, City have now won just one of their last five matches and will have a chance improve turn the ship around when they take on Royal AM on Saturday.
You need to be Sign In to post and read comments.
Click here to register: Sign In