Why Simon van Duivenbooden could be good for Bafana Bafana

Van Duivenbooden currently plies his trade in the Eredivisie with Vitesse, where Thulani Serero also previously played, and is born to a South African father and Dutch mother.

The 22-year-old showed significant progress with Vitesse's junior teams, where he managed an impressive 24 goals in 35 appearances with the under-21 side, but has yet to adapt to the demands of the first team, where he will be looking to establish himself this season.

"I think the Bafana coach can experiment now, that is why you've got the youngster playing in Holland, and you want to see those guys to say who's this Simon guy? Let's see what they can do," Maponyane told sabcsport.com.

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The Laduma analyst, who turned out for Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, and also had a stint in Portugal with Vitoria Setubal, believes roping in the likes of van Duivenbooden is in line with international best practice that has seen the likes of France, England, and Belgium succeed at various levels.

"He looks like he's a big boy, at 22, and it just shows that we've got talent out there, so we have to use it – they are South Africans, so let's take advantage of that," he added.

"With them [European nations], they are not even French or Belgian, but with us, these are South Africans so we should take advantage and use them.

"They offer experience because they are rubbing shoulders against certain teams that play in the [UEFA] Champions League, let's admit that."

One point of contention, perhaps, could be the issue of foreign-born players' ability to adapt to the local culture of their teammates, whom they need in order to stake their claim within the team, but 'Mafa' argues that youngsters generally settle quickly.

"Not really because, remember, youngsters can always gel, unlike elderly people, so they can easily adjust and that, to me, is neither here nor there.

"And it can be the same question asked about an African player going to Europe – when you go there, you adjust to do what you do best, and you appreciate [the new culture]."