NEWS: Brandon Truter impressed by emerging Bafana Bafana star ...

Coach Brandon Truter has hailed newly-discovered Bafana Bafana star Elias Mokwana while revealing his former prodigy's continuous work ethic and successfully wooing hard-to-please national team boss Hugo Broos.

Mokwana has grabbed headlines since recently making his Bafana Bafana debut, thanks to the splendid displays against Andorra and Algeria during the FIFA Series in Algeria.

Mokwana coupled his maiden call-up with a goal against Andorra and heavily influencing Bafana’s third against Algeria in two appearances.

Bafana recorded a 1-1 draw against Andorra on Thursday before the 3-all draw against the hosts on Tuesday.

The player’s performances earned plaudits, including South African legend Doctor Khumalo who described Mokwana as “a diamond.”

Truter coached Mokwana during the mentor’s year-long stint with Sekhukhune United between November 2022 and November 2023.

Knowing how hard the agile right winger works behind the scenes, Truter was not surprised by Mokwana’s performance in Bafana colours.  

“He is a player who would come to me and say ‘Coach, what should I be doing? And coach where did I get it wrong and where can I improve?’ He is very humble and very open-minded as well,” Truter said.

“He takes the criticism very well and he works hard to grow as a player. That’s what I loved about him.”

Mokwana was an integral member of the squad when Truter led Sekhukhune to the Nedbank Cup final where they fell to a gallant Orlando Pirates.

Truter is of the belief that his recent participation in the CAF Confederation Cup with Babina Noko has helped prepare Mokwana for the international stage.

The former Moroka Swallows and AmaZulu boss is adamant it won’t be too long before the star attracts interest from far and wide if he continues to work hard.

“I think he can get even better if he secures a move to Europe,” Truter said.

“But if one of the bigger clubs in the league comes such as (Mamelodi) Sundowns or whoever, he must really think about it because he needs to play regularly and to become one of the country’s best.

“Going to Europe will help him to improve more on any of his shortcomings as a player.”

Mokwana will be expected to repeat his heroics when Babina Noko host Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 17:45.