Shaun Bartlett has advised Bafana Bafana startlet Ethan Brooks to take it easy and learn as much as he can while he is part of the national team set-up.
Brooks is in coach Hugo Broos’ team for the two 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Ghana.
The TS Galaxy midfielder is in Harare, Zimbabwe, together with his Bafana Bafana teammates for the first qualifier against the Warriors at the National Sports Stadium at 15h00 on Friday.
“I think it’s always great to get a national call-up. It obviously shows you have been doing well for your club,” Bartlett, who is Rockets coach Owen da Gama’s assistant, remarked.
“It’s a nice reward at a young age. You make sure you learn as much from the experienced players. I think that will put him in good stead and also ensures that he becomes a better player.”
The 20-year-old Brooks was part of the Bafana Bafana squad, which won the COSAFA Cup tournament in Gqeberha in July. And Bartlett believes Brooks’ presence in the national team is going to benefit the Rockets as well.
“The flip side as well being a player you have to show when you go back to your club that you are in a different level,” he said.
Bartlett, who played 74 times for Bafana Bafana and scored 28 goals, has added that Brooks is level-headed something which he believes is going to help him.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders. He’s very steady in his approach and life in general,” Bartlett said.
“I think that counts for a lot. I don’t think he should put a lot of pressure on himself because he’s still young. He’s got a lot to learn.”
Having been part of Bafana Bafana in the past, Bartlett has promised to help Brooks whenever the need arises.
“For me also, is to ensure that I can help as much as I can. Going forward he’s going to be a big contributor on what we want to achieve as a club,” the former Bafana Bafana forward concluded.
