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Cape Town - Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth has predicted that defender Eric Mathoho will use the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations as a stepping stone for a move to Europe.
Read: Keepers hold Africa Cup key
Matoho, 24, is arguably the best defender in Bafana's squad for the continental showpiece, which kicks off in Equatorial Guinea on January 17.
This remark is supported by the Kaizer Chiefs defender's involvement in all six AFCON qualifiers where he played a vital role and was a candidate for man-of-the-match on more than one occasion.
"I think he's got the height, the aerial ability and his comfortable with the ball at his feet." Booth told Football411.com.
"He's had a good year and has been involved with the national team's setup and proven what he can do so I predict a good tournament for him.
"I think he should use this as a stepping stone for a move to Europe as scouts from all over will be on the lookout.
"Although I feel he must still work on his self-positioning, he's a great defender and he'll come right."
Despite the praises, Mathoho will have to sit out of Bafana's opening match against Algeria on the 19th owing to yellow card accumulations during the qualifiers.
Ajax Cape Town's teenager Rivaldo Coetzee and Bidvest Wits' Thulani Hlatshwayo are expected to start in the absence of Mathoho.
