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Johannesburg - Bongani Khumalo has thanked SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt for playing a huge part in his transfer to the English Premier League.
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The Bafana Bafana defender will join Tottenham subject to a work permit in January after signing a pre-contract agreement this week.
And having first been alerted to the 23-year-old's promise thanks to a tip from Hunt, Khumalo paid tribute to the man who has led Matsasansta to three successive PSL titles.
"When I was in London for my trial, Tottenham's chief scout Ian Broomfield told me that Gavin was the one who had mentioned me in the first place and recommended they had a look at me," he told Football365.co.za.
"That was a couple of years ago now and I'm very fortunate that it has all worked out the way it has.
"I'd like to thank Gavin for the faith he has shown in me - it's not often you find a 20-year-old centre back playing every week and I'm very grateful for the guidance he has shown.
"He's been pivotal to my success so it's fair to say if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be in this position."
Hunt has already started his search to replace his captain as SuperSport bid to make it an unprecedented fourth championship in a row. But Khumalo believes it is only a matter of time until the enigmatic coach follows a similar path and lands a job at a European club.
He said: "I think that will happen very soon. He's been in the game for a long time and knows it inside out so hopefully one day before I retire perhaps we'll meet again in Europe."
Khumalo will be out of action for Matsatsantsa as he recovers from an ankle injury.
In the meantime, he will be keeping a close eye on how Spurs fare as they attempt to make it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
With three matches remaining, they currently occupy second spot behind holders Inter Milan and Khumalo is hopeful he will be able to play a part in the New Year.
"It would be a dream come true," he said.
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will qualify and I'm sure they will. I've been watching their games and you can see the character there is among the players."
WIN Sporting goods worth R20 000
The Bafana Bafana defender will join Tottenham subject to a work permit in January after signing a pre-contract agreement this week.
And having first been alerted to the 23-year-old's promise thanks to a tip from Hunt, Khumalo paid tribute to the man who has led Matsasansta to three successive PSL titles.
"When I was in London for my trial, Tottenham's chief scout Ian Broomfield told me that Gavin was the one who had mentioned me in the first place and recommended they had a look at me," he told Football365.co.za.
"That was a couple of years ago now and I'm very fortunate that it has all worked out the way it has.
"I'd like to thank Gavin for the faith he has shown in me - it's not often you find a 20-year-old centre back playing every week and I'm very grateful for the guidance he has shown.
"He's been pivotal to my success so it's fair to say if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be in this position."
Hunt has already started his search to replace his captain as SuperSport bid to make it an unprecedented fourth championship in a row. But Khumalo believes it is only a matter of time until the enigmatic coach follows a similar path and lands a job at a European club.
He said: "I think that will happen very soon. He's been in the game for a long time and knows it inside out so hopefully one day before I retire perhaps we'll meet again in Europe."
Khumalo will be out of action for Matsatsantsa as he recovers from an ankle injury.
In the meantime, he will be keeping a close eye on how Spurs fare as they attempt to make it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League.
With three matches remaining, they currently occupy second spot behind holders Inter Milan and Khumalo is hopeful he will be able to play a part in the New Year.
"It would be a dream come true," he said.
"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will qualify and I'm sure they will. I've been watching their games and you can see the character there is among the players."
