Richards Bay coach Kaitano Tembo was full of praise for Philasande Manqele.
The 20-year-old goalkeeper made his debut in the 2-1 Carling Knockout Cup clash with Swallows on Sunday.
Abel Mabaso opened the scoring at the King Zwelithini Stadium on 15 minutes.
Gabadinho Mhango levelled for the Dube Birds on 51 minutes ahead of a winner from Yanela Mbuthuma 10 minutes later.
Speaking after the match, a happy Tembo said in the Sowetan: “I work with him on a daily basis. I see his work ethic and he is a young man with hunger and desire.
“You just don’t throw him there without really knowing what is capable of doing. I thought he deserved the opportunity and if he keeps on working hard, I think he will be one of the best goalkeepers in the country.”
Tembo added: “He is calm, he makes good decisions and his handling is very good. His positioning was also very good, his distribution as well.
“I think credit should go to goalkeepers who were working with him and who also scouted him. If he stays humble I think he will make a career out of it.”