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Johannesburg - Pitso Mosimane says Bongani Khumalo's breakthrough move to Tottenham will boost the South African national team.
The SuperSport United defender clinched a £1.5 million transfer to Spurs earlier this week after protracted negotiations between the clubs and the player's agent.
Khumalo, now 23, will join the London-based outfit in January subject to a work permit, but his coach at international level is delighted with the move because of the positive spin-offs it should produce for Bafana Bafana.
"I am glad this is finally over for Bongani and I think it's long overdue. He has performed consistently over the last few seasons and has matured as a player," Mosimane told SAFA's website.
The Bafana boss added that the experience Khumalo gathers in England's top flight will prove invaluable when he links up with his team-mates.
"This move will only help him grow more and in return it will benefit South Africa," said Jingles.
"This is encouraging and is in line with what I have always said that we need as many players as possible playing at the highest level to join the likes of (Aaron) Mokoena, Steven Pienaar, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Macbeth Sibaya and all our players abroad."
But Mosimane cautioned that a switch to the English Premier League could have an adverse affect if Khumalo fails to break into the first-team squad.
"In that way the beneficiary will be Bafana Bafana, and I am also hopeful that he will play when he gets there because if he doesn't it defeats the purpose, we need our players playing regularly for their clubs - both local and international," concluded Mosimane.
The SuperSport United defender clinched a £1.5 million transfer to Spurs earlier this week after protracted negotiations between the clubs and the player's agent.
Khumalo, now 23, will join the London-based outfit in January subject to a work permit, but his coach at international level is delighted with the move because of the positive spin-offs it should produce for Bafana Bafana.
"I am glad this is finally over for Bongani and I think it's long overdue. He has performed consistently over the last few seasons and has matured as a player," Mosimane told SAFA's website.
The Bafana boss added that the experience Khumalo gathers in England's top flight will prove invaluable when he links up with his team-mates.
"This move will only help him grow more and in return it will benefit South Africa," said Jingles.
"This is encouraging and is in line with what I have always said that we need as many players as possible playing at the highest level to join the likes of (Aaron) Mokoena, Steven Pienaar, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Macbeth Sibaya and all our players abroad."
But Mosimane cautioned that a switch to the English Premier League could have an adverse affect if Khumalo fails to break into the first-team squad.
"In that way the beneficiary will be Bafana Bafana, and I am also hopeful that he will play when he gets there because if he doesn't it defeats the purpose, we need our players playing regularly for their clubs - both local and international," concluded Mosimane.
