Head coach Pablo Franco has hailed AmaZulu midfielder Ethan Brooks as a rare talent that has proved influential for his side this season, while predicting a move abroad in the player's future.
Brooks joined Usuthu at the beginning of the previous campaign from TS Galaxy and made 25 appearances with one goal in his maiden season with the Durban-based club.
In this current campaign, the 23-year-old has made 26 appearances across all competitions with a solitary goal so far this season.
Cijimpi, as Franco is nicknamed, who took over as AmaZulu head coach at the start of the 2023/24 season praised the midfielder as special despite the ups and downs he has been facing in his career.
“Ethan is one of our main players this season and his performance has been amazing,” Franco said post-match against Orlando Pirates at the weekend.
“With due respect to him last season at AmaZulu he didn’t play (as much as he should have) and he played under different coaches, but he has been part of our first 11 from the start of this season.
“He has grown a lot and is reaching his best level with ups and downs, just like most players.
“But I think he has something special that is difficult to find here in most South African players.
“He is a professional guy who has consistency.
“So for me, this is a plus and therefore he is putting (hard work in) the games and at training sessions (with an aim) to get better, that’s amazing.
“And I love a player like him and all the players that are working hard but especially one player like him who is still young.
“With the spirit to improve every day, he could have an opportunity to play overseas and play for Bafana Bafana but I hope he goes overseas or big clubs come for him when I’ve left the club because I still need him,” he concluded.
AmaZulu next host an in-form Chippa United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
