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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler believes striker Thamsanqa Gabuza earned his call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad through determination and sheer power of will.
Read: Erasmus snub, Shakes has his reasons
The forward has been in impressive form in recent weeks, including scoring a brace in Pirates 4-1 win over AS Kaloum in the CAF Confederations Cup, while most of his contemporaries are on holiday.
It's been a long road to prominence for Gabuza, who has spent a large portion of his time at the Buccaneers on the bench, but he has earned the trust of Tinkler and has made the most of his opportunity.
He was not originally part of Shakes Mashaba's Bafana plans, but he was called up recently to replace the injured Tokelo Rantie and Tinkler couldn't be happier for him.
"It's sheer will power and focus for a player to sit, wait patiently for his opportunity and grab it with both hands," Tinkler told Soccer Laduma.
"As a coach, I am proud him and what he has achieved for himself in these recent weeks.
"It's also good to see the national team coach realising the hard work Gabuza puts in. I know he will do well at Bafana," Tinkler concluded.
