Erasmus in elite company

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By Herrold Lamola

Kermit Erasmus has the potential to be one of the country's greatest exports ever. Erasmus has shown glimpses of a future star and has what it takes to crack in to the so called 'superstars' club.

In 2007, Kermit Erasmus was named by World Soccer Magazine as one of the best 50 young footballers to watch. The magazine was absolutely on point as most of the juniors they spotted as promising youngsters went on to become household names.

You have to be under the age of 20 to be considered. Erasmus' name appeared alongside the likes of Gareth Bale, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Toni Kroos, Sergio Aguero, Juan Mata, Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria. A decade later all of the above mentioned are world class footballers.

My question is: “What went wrong Romeo?” Erasmus is undoubtedly talented. “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” – Steven King

Kermit has what it takes to be mentioned in the same line with the great Benny McCarthy. He can be among the country's 'finest exports' in the near future.

The Port Elizabeth born striker plies his trade for Ligue 2 side Lens in France.

One may wonder how a player of Erasmus calibre has only made 12 appearances for Bafana Bafana. Let me rewind back to 10 October 2015 when Erasmus hit back on the then Bafana Bafana coach, Shakes Mashaba, that he is not a back up player.

Erasmus was called up to replace Tokelo Rantie who stated personal reasons for his withdrawal from the national team. As they usually say, it is now water under the bridge and Erasmus is happy to don the green and gold of Bafana Bafana.

Erasmus has put the past behind him and is now focusing on the job at hand. The attacking Lens star combined well with Kamohelo Mokotjo, Keagan Dolly and Thulani Serero upfront. The current Bafana squad has been dubbed 'Bafana new look' but I am a very conscious individual. South Africans should not carried away because these are still early days. This team has qualified for a world cup before but the question is: Can they repeat the feat? Yes you heard me well, they  qualified for the Under-20 World Cup in 2009.

With the South African Football Association’s well documented vision 2022 seemingly being put into action, the future looks bright. We have celebrated the Class of 96 for too long now. It is time for the born frees to celebrate a national team victory.

@Lamola_eitcHDee

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