AYANDA Nkili may be little known to many South African fans, but his former academy coach Farouk Khan says he rated him higher than current Bafana Bafana stars May Mahlangu and Tokelo Rantie when he had him under his wing.

Khan had the trio at his Stars of Africa Academy before sending them to Sweden.

All have excelled, though Nkili's rise to the top flight has taken longer.

But he is now in the limelight, having helped his Orebro side to promotion to the top flight this season.

And Khan believes Nkili has the potential to emulate his two former academy teammates and play in the big leagues in Europe.

"Physically, he has the right make-up for Europe," Khan told Sowetan yesterday. "He can play as a right-back, central defender or as a defensive midfielder.

"When he was at the academy with me, I also played him behind the strikers and he would score goals just about every game, and some brilliant ones too.

''He is very good in the tackle, a great passer and his anticipation is excellent. I have told him that he is in the mould of [former France midfielder] Patrick Vieira, and not just because they look similar. When he was here with May and TK [Rantie], I often rated him higher, to be honest with you."

So why has it taken longer for the 23-year-old to shine in Sweden?

"Sometimes it is just about being in the right place at the right time, some luck is needed," Khan said.

"But there are parts of his game that he needs to improve on, every player does. He needs to be better with his weaker [left] foot."

Nkili made 31 appearances for Orebro in the current campaign, moving between the defence and midfield.