Thulani 'Tyson' Hlatshwayo has impressed Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi.
After joining Pirates as an assistant coach to work with Josef Zinnbauer and Fadlu Davids at the time, Ncikazi vowed to help Hlatshwayo to improve after the experienced player appeared to struggle on arrival at the Soweto giants from Bidvest Wits last season.
Hlatshwayo, 31, was in the starting line-up and partnered Happy Jele at centre-back, as the Buccaneers drew 2-2 with Stellenbosch FC in their DStv Premiership match in Orlando on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Ncikazi lauded Hlatshwayo for the progress he has made so far this season.
"I think there's great progress. You can even see how dangerous we are in set-plays, which is his part. I don't think he defended badly today, there is improvement. I haven't seen the full match to really scale him versus the expectations," he said.
"But from where I was standing, I don't think he had a terrible game. It was a fine game and it's a process and he will improve from here but I'm still happy with the progress that he has made thus far," the coach added.
