After comparisons were made between Daniel Msendami and Khama Billiat, an insider in Botswana has weighed in on whether the new Marumo Gallants winger can live up to the billing.
Msendami emerged as one of the best players in Botswana last season, as he inspired Jwaneng Galaxy to the league title and featured in their CAF Champions League campaign, where they famously knocked Orlando Pirates out in the second preliminary round and played in the group stages.
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It is, in fact, his goal that did the damage in the 1-0 first-leg victory.
His former coach at Galaxy, Morena Ramoreboli, suggested that the player can reach the level of former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs star, Billiat, if he stays grounded.
The 23-year-old was the hero over the weekend, after his goal in a 1-0 win over AmaZulu FC gave Gallants their first victory and points in the Betway Premiership.
"He is Zimbabwean and got his break in Botswana, and Jwaneng Galaxy were fortunate to turn things around because they were coached by someone who is a student of the game, Morena Ramoreboli," an insider in Botswana, who preferred to remain anonymous, informed KickOff.
"Msendami came here as an amateur, he managed to turn him into one of the best midfielders in the country. He is now doing best in South Africa, I saw him score a goal this past weekend."
As for the Billiat comparison?
"No, you can't compare the two. Remember, when Khama Billiat was 17, he was already in the set-up of Ajax Cape Town. So, Khama has paid the price, Daniel must pay his dues.
"Khama passed through all the levels of development, so comparing the two is a bit unfair to Msendami.
"He has potential, but comparing him to Khama is unfair to both of the players, if you check the stats of Khama at 17, 18, what he has achieved.
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"Not to take anything away from Msendami because we grow differently, influence and background is not the same.
"What I can advise Msendami is to stay humble, not rush things, work hard so he can reach his best potential, because I don't think he has reached his best," the stakeholder added.