Thabani Mthembu was in sublime form this past weekend banging in a hat trick as Amajimbos as the national U-17 is affectionately known beat Burkina Faso  4-2 in the first leg of African Youth qualifier played in Katlehong.

Development coach, Ryder Mofokeng speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Monday believes that Mthembu can be the next Fani Madida.

“He has unbelievable pace. He parks a powerful shot on both feet and is always willing to learn. I have no doubt that if he keeps his feet on the ground he can emulate other strikers who come from KwaZulu-Natal like Shaka Ngcobo, Samora Khulu, Fani Madida who all made name for themselves in the gold and black,” said Mofokeng of the KwaZulu-Natal-born 17-year-old who joined Chiefs Development structures in February this year.

Having scored a hat trick on Saturday, Mthembu was back with the Club U-17 team on Sunday banging in a brace as Chiefs beat their counterparts, Cosmos by 2-0.

Mthembu and company will be hoping to secure a positive result when they travel to Burkina Faso in a fortnight. A win will take them to the next round of qualification.