Within only nine months at Orlando Pirates, midfielder Thalente Mbatha has attracted overseas interest and looks to be a fit at Bafana Bafana. So, what makes the lanky player stand out?
Pirates raised eyebrows when they signed Mbatha from SuperSport United in January, with an option to make the deal permanent.
The 24-year-old vindicated the Soweto giants' decision with his performances on the field, as after being slowly introduced from the bench, he soon became a regular starter.
READ: Nabi explains surprise Blom absence
The midfield man's showing for the side has earned him his first call-up and he rewarded Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos with a goal on debut, off the bench after his late equaliser rescued a 2-2 draw against Uganda in the AFCON qualifiers.
As if that was not enough, he then netted the winner in the 3-2 victory over South Sudan four days later, also in the dying minutes.
English Championship side Cardiff City are reported to have a strong interest in Mbatha and according to Soccer Laduma, have been following him from Pirates' pre-season in Spain.
ProSport International CEO Mike Makaab believes what has accelerated Mbatha's career in such a short period of time is that he fits the requirements of a modern number six.
"Gone are the days when a six has to be a tough man, wins the ball and passes it to his closest teammate. When you think of the 'iconic' sixes in the world, the Michael Essiens, their job was to be destructive and then get the flow of the game going by playing simple," Makaab, who represents Mbatha, told KickOff.
"The modern footballers have to do a lot more than that. Have a look at the top sixes, the top eights in the world. In actual fact, your top midfielder should have the defensive attributes of a six and the attacking attributes of a 10, or an eight at least, in my opinion.
READ | Mpengesi: We would have charged Chiefs less for Ntwari
"So, I think Mbatha has got that, he's got the ability to read the game so well, he's got the ability to start movements, to deliver a killer pass. So, he's got a great future, he just has to keep his feet on the ground and work hard.
"I also need to thank the Chairman at Orlando Pirates [Dr. Irvin Khoza] and the club for giving him an opportunity," added the agent.