Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes that defender Malibongwe Khoza has what it takes to reach the level of former Bafana Bafana star Mbulelo Mabizela.
Mngqithi gave Khoza a rare start in the Betway Premiership league match against Polokwane City, which ended 2-0 a fortnight ago.
The 20-year-old defender also played against Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League preliminary round earlier this season.
READ | Mngqithi sends warning to youngsters at Sundowns
Khoza joined the club at the age of 12 years old and spent almost eight years with the development academy at Chloorkop.
Mngqithi says Khoza has the potential to develop as one of the best center-backs in the country.
"Mali (Malibongwe Khoza) I have a lot of respect for that boy, I think he has a lot to give. I think it was too much of risk to play or have him on the bench against (Kaizer) Chiefs when I didn't have some of the established center backs but I believe he has got what it takes," said Mngqithi.
"I was fortunate to work with (Mbulelo) Mabizela when there was nobody in the ABC Motsepe (league), I know what he had. I think Mali if there is anything short probably would be personality.
"Mabizela was a little bit arrogant and believed in himself a lot. Mali is not as arrogant (as Mabizela), he is a nice boy, sometimes in this game, if you are nice you end up not realizing your true potential. I believe he has a bright future and has developed over time," he went on.
READ | Berg: We don't have time for that, we're Sundowns!
The 20-year-old is certainly looking forward to his first-ever cup final with the senior team when Sundowns take on Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout final in Bloemfontein on November 23.
"The fact he didn't play up until now in the PSL is not because of anything I just wanted him to have more minutes in the DDC and starting in every match in the DDC and probably he had more than five games in a row. I wanted him to gain momentum and match fitness. I played him in the Champions League game against Mbabane (Swallows) and had an outstanding performance. I believe has got a lot to give and by the end of the season we would talking a different story," added the forthright mentor.