Siyabonga Ngezana has been backed for the brave decision that he took in leaving the comforts of Kaizer Chiefs to face a new challenge in Europe.
Ngezana is now with FSCB (formerly Steaua Bucuresti) – the 1986 European champions who are sitting top of the standings in the Romanian Super Liga.
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The towering has played 12 games and scored once giving himself hope of gatecrashing his way into the Bafana Bafana squad for the AFCON finals.
So solid has been Ngezana that he has already been linked with a move to France.
"It is not in my space to decide whether he deserves a call-up or not because I'm just a player and not a coach, but Ngezana is with a top team in Romania and a team that gets to play in Europe because they win the league and trophies," says May Mahlangu who played for Dinamo Bucuresti.
"We always talk about the need for our players to go out to Europe, so I think he did the right thing by going there to grow and I like his bravery in taking up the challenge regardless of all other factors.
"I'm sure he can attest to how much he has grown while with Steaua Bucuresti.
"He has played in the eternal derby against my former club Dinamo Bucuresti plus against teams like Craiova and Cluj so I can guarantee you that he has grown.
"I salute him for making the move to go to Europe.
"I don't know what criteria is used for Bafana, but the guy is less than six months in Europe but has done well to play 12 games to date for a team at the top of the table.
"I'm not sure how well-informed people are here about the Romanian league, but I was called up while playing there.
"Right now, I haven't watched his games so I cannot talk about whether he is ready or not for the national team.
"What I know is that he is in a good space and has everything in order in Europe.
"What I know is that there is still a lot of football to play in Romania because after 30 games they will also get into the play-offs.
"At the end of the day it is not for me to be advocating for him to be selected to the national team but rather merely appreciate the good work he is doing.
"I understand the dynamics of playing in Europe and hope him the best if he is keen on playing for Bafana at AFCON.
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"The coach will decide because all the information on Ngezana is available, and they know what they need in the squad.
'It is a good thing that he is playing in Europe closer to the eyes of the leagues that our people wish they could see our players playing," says Mahlangu.