Brooks, 20, has emerged as one of the most promising players in South African football over the past 12 months since being afforded his top-flight debut by da Gama.
His impressive displays in the triumphant 2021 Cosafa Cup also earned confidence from Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who's now selected him for every 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier thus far - something he's not taking for granted.
"It's really an honour and privileged to be called up to the national team again, so I'm just really excited to go out there and showcase my talent if I do get an opportunity," he said.
"It's really important that we go out there and win back-to-back [against Ethiopia] it will keep us on top of the log in terms of wanting to qualify."
On da Gama's exit after the 4-2 defeat to Royal AM left them at the basement of the top-flight and without a win in five games, he conceded he owes a lot to the experienced tactician.
Da Gama was officially sacked on Monday and replaced by his assistant Shaun Bartlett in an interim coaching role before the FIFA international break.
"He gave me an opportunity to start with my career in the DStv Premiership so it's really sad to see him leave but I've learnt a lot from him," Brooks admitted.
"[Coach Shaun] is very big on having a lot of football knowledge so that's what I'm learning from him now as the coach so that's very important for me and everyone else here. So he is bringing in new methods, but we've been with him."
Brooks will be aiming to help the Rockets secure their first win of the season when they face newly-promoted Sekhukhune United on Saturday at the Mbombela Stadium (15h00).