Rhulani Mokwena identifies another Bafana Bafana star that has impressed him amid Orlando Pirates return rumours - 'He’s a player that interests me'

Former Wydad Casablanca head coach Rhulani Mokwena has praised the progress of Esperance forward Elias Mokwana.

Mokwena has said the Bafana Bafana forward has huge potential to develop into a top player. He added that he has been following the forward and is impressed by his performances so far.

“He’s a player that interests me. He has a lot of good weapons to develop into a top player, and he has really grown in North Africa over the last few months. With the few games I’ve watched, he’s impressed me," Mokwena told iDiski Times.

“He’s settled well, and the good thing is he’s playing with a very talented group with Bilali, Yan Sasse, and Rodrigues," he added.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach also identified what makes Mokwana a threat to defenders, something that has played to Esperance's advantage.

“And Elias adds more speed and directness to their attack, and this makes Esperance even more powerful during transitions. So, it will be interesting to see him at the level of the Club World Cup’s intensity," he added.

“The experience for him will also help him become a much better player, and Bafana will have much stronger options. He has great potential still," Mokwena concluded.

Since he moved to Tunisia, Mokwana has developed into a reliable player for the former Caf Champions League winners.

He joined Esperance at the start of last season and went on to win the Ligue 1 title after playing a crucial role in 25 games. He managed three goals and two assists in the league and featured in eight games in the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Mokwena has been linked with Orlando Pirates, and since he is a free agent, it makes the speculation even more plausible. Recently, he praised Wydad Casablanca's Thembinkosi Lorch, fuelling rumours he might want to work with the former Sea Robber again.

He is currently focused on the Fifa Club World Cup duties with the Tunisian giants.

Mokwana's Esperance will start their campaign against Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo on Tuesday.