Cape Town - Ajax Cape Town's latest midfield sensation Grant Magerman feels his involvement in the first-team has been the reason for his rapid development.
Magerman broke into senior set-up under former head coach Roger de Sa and his recent performances under de Sa's successor, Stanley Menzo has not gone unnoticed.
Capable of fulfilling either a defensive or attacking midfield role, the academy graduate has earned plaudits for his high-work rate and all round composed displays for the Urban Warriors.
The 18-year-old scored his second goal for the club in the 1-1 draw with Polokwane City on Saturday in his ninth appearance for the season but will now head off with Thabo Senong's national U20 side for the CAF U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Zambia - that will be held from the 26 February to 12 March.
While his presence at the Cape side will sorely be missed, the teenager feels the strength of the Amajita side going to the youth AFCON tournament have what it takes to make an impact on the continental stage.
"It felt amazing scoring my second goal of the season," he told IOL. "The more games I'm playing I'm getting stronger, both physically and mentally. I'm starting to read the game better, and understanding what the coach wants from me.
"It's going good with the U-20s," Margeman added. "We have prepared well and had our last international friendly on Sunday, which we drew 1-1 against Mali.
"But I think we have a strong team going into the tournament."