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Bartlett: Prince has it all

Cape Town - Former Bafana Bafana international Shaun Bartlett believes Ajax Cape Town striker Prince Nxumalo has all the requisite qualities to ply his trade on the European stage.

The Durban-born marksman was recently forced to pull out of the international squad after suffering an epilepsy attack, the second in the space of a month.

It was a bitter blow for the youngster as it was his maiden international call-up, but Bartlett feels it is just a matter of time before the striker is back in coach Shakes Mashaba's plans.

Reflecting on Nxumalo's rise to prominence and his health problems, Bartlett told Football411: "Prince came to us [at Golden Arrows] after he was highly recommended by someone at SuperSport United.

"He is a striker of high quality and amazing ability, and he did really well, playing a huge role in helping the club get promoted.

"Knowing his quality, I then recommended him to Roger [De Sa], who then signed him for Ajax.

"And what a great start he had until the bad timing of his illness.

"I believe, however, that most sportsmen face a challenge in some stage of their career, and he must not lose his focus and lose track.

"The support from his team-mates also will be crucial at this time."

Looking ahead, Bartlett added: "I think as far as attributes are concerned, he's got everything you need in a striker. Without a doubt, he's got it all.

"He's got height, he's strong and athletic and most importantly, he is a natural goalscorer.

"He's definitely good enough for the local league, international football and even for a future in Europe.

"I am not a fan of comparing players but he's got everything possible, which is what you want from a striker."

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