Former Orlando Pirates head coach Augusto Palacios has outlined what he says is Bafana Bafana rising star Relebohile Mofokeng's next biggest challenge.
Mofokeng was instrumental in Bafana's entertaining 2-2 draw against Uganda on Friday.
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Palacios, who attended the 2025 AFCON qualifier at Orlando Stadium, says there are many players like Mofokeng in South Africa, but only if the country believes in youngsters.
"I have said it before, and I'm going to say it again: South Africa has players. The only problem we have is that we don't believe a young player can do it for his club or his national team," Palacios says, speaking to KickOff.
"Each time a coach introduces a 16 or 17-year-old in the PSL, we rush to say he is not ready. A player can only be ready if he plays regularly. That's all.
"My question to South Africa is, do we believe in young players or not? (Some) 19-year-olds are playing UEFA football at Manchester United. It's the same thing at Barcelona.
"Lebohang Mokoena was a 16-year-old when he was promoted at Orlando Pirates. You can't play in the PSL and not be ready for the national team.
"We have one of the best leagues in the DDC. I wouldn't say coach Broos made a mistake by starting him on the bench. No, the coach is the one setting the starting line-up," he said.
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"Mofokeng is a good player in a good platform, and he performs; he has a good future, and this boy must continue growing. He must continue playing well both for the Pirates and the national team. He must remain confident.
"He is bringing hope to all the young players who are dreaming for their country. He must just continue to fight for his position at Pirates and in the national team. He must not be scared of anyone.
"He has a great future, but he needs to understand the need to compete, that's all. He must never rest. If he is a regular at Pirates now, then he must be ready to compete in the national team.
"Against Uganda, he came at a good time, he could penetrate. He was never scared, he will grow. That game gave him a great opportunity."