If you had the pleasure of watching Eric Tinkler and Linda Buthelezi in action for South Africa in the 90s, then you'd know they are one of the best midfield combinations we've seen in Bafana Bafana colours.
Since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, I have carefully watched the combination of Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole in the middle of the park and I believe there is good reason for us as a country to be excited about the partnership between these two hard working ballers.
Against Morocco on Tuesday evening, Mokoena and Sithole put in a shift that will live long in the memory, grinding hard to ensure Bafana do not completely get dominated by the likes of Sofyan Amrabat and Azzedine Ounahi, two highly rated midfielders in the Atlas Lions squad.
Mokoena, in particular, played a different role to what we are usually used to seeing when he is in the colours of Sundowns. At the Brazilians, he is a conductor who plays with guts and guile, breaking down attacks and distributing the ball to his teammates.
Against Morocco, he did just that, but also made some driving runs into the opposition half and showed that he has some pace in his game, which led to him being fouled by Amrabat in the dying stages of the game, before slotting home that beautiful free kick which sealed a memorable victory.
Mokoena showed leadership in crucial moments of the game and his performance may be the type that might have attracted overseas scouts. He is definitely good enough to ply his trade abroad and, at 27, can make a mark.
Sithole, meanwhile, is playing as though he has been in the national team all his life. Well built, Sithole provides the perfect support for Mokoena, passing the ball well and making crucial challenges. His experience of playing abroad has certainly come in handy for Bafana during this competition. And to think he is only 24, which means he still has many more years ahead of him to keep making an impact in the national team.
Both players have great engines and they will be key going into the quarterfinal clash against Cape Verde, who can be a tricky side to face, as witnessed by both Ghana and Egypt during the group stages of the competition.
It's been a while since Bafana Bafana has had a midfield combination that the country can bank on to battle the best on the continent, but Mokoena and Sithole can be trusted.
Just like Tinkler and Buthelezi back in 1996, I've got my fingers crossed that these two players can destroy the opposition and lead the national team to success. It's high time we celebrate success on the continent. It's been far too long.
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