Cape Town - Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs believes Lorenzo Gordinho has the potential to break into the South African national team after his impressive form this season.
Isaacs also paid homage to Amakhosi coach Steve Komphela for having the confidence to start the inexperienced defender over the likes of Morgan Gould and Siyanda Xulu as Eric Matoho's partner.
"I take my hat off to Komphela for giving this boy a chance ahead of other experienced defenders such as Gould and Xulu at Chiefs," the 33-year-old, who now plays for Royals Eagles, told Goal website.
"I have said it before that if he continues to play the way he is doing, then he will be contesting for a place in Bafana Bafana and I'm happy with his progress.
"There is no reason that this boy will not reach the same heights as Rivaldo [Coetzee] because just like him is a smart defender."
Despite his meteoric rise at Naturena, Isaacs says supporters shouldn't compare Gordinho to former Chiefs captain Tefu Mashamaite as it would add unnecessary pressure on his young shoulders.
"I think it is a bit too much to compare the player to Mashamaite. He is still young and has a chance to grow while Mashamaite arrived at Chiefs as a mature player," added Isaacs.
"He should not try to be Mashamaite or compare himself with him because every player has his qualities.
"He is a defender that scored goals like Tefu but he should be his own man because he is got the physic and everything you need in a defender.
"For me he is the future and is establishing himself at a big team, so what more would you want as a player?"