Santos have discovered a gem in Mogogi Gabonamong.
Enthusiastically described by coach Roger de Sa as having "an incredible engine", the Botswana defensive midfielder is the central thrust of the Cape side's game plan when they take on Orlando Pirates in a Telkom Knockout Cup quarter-final tie at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday night (kick off 8.10pm, live on SABC 1).
From Gaborone, Gabonamong arrived in Cape Town early this year on the recommendation of countryman Dipsy Selolwane, now the captain of Santos. It was only for a trial as De Sa obviously first wanted to have a look at the player.
But so impressed was De Sa with Gabonamong's work ethic and tough tackling approach that he had no hesitation in offering the 25-year-old a contract.
And, on the basis of what the midfielder has done for Santos this season, it was certainly an inspired decision by the coach.
Last week, for example, Mamelodi Sundowns brought their expensively-assembled squad to the Mother City, a team laced with skill and ability. But Santos completely outplayed them, especially in midfield, where Gabonamong was supreme in shutting out the Pretoria club's much-vaunted stars.
This evening, more of the same will be expected of Gabonamong, as Pirates are similar to Sundowns in terms of midfield approach play.
Expect the Botswana midfield strongman to be given aggressive licence by De Sa to swarm all over Pirates, not allowing them any room to breathe.
And Gabonamong is certainly up for the fight.
"It won't be easy for Pirates, that I can assure you," said Gabonamong. "We are going there (to Ellis Park) to fight and not give in. We want to go through to the next round and we are prepared for anything."
Gabonamong played for Township Rollers in Botswana and has represented his country on numerous occasions. He has settled in nicely in the Mother City - and credits Selolwane for smoothing the path and making the move from Botswana so much easier this season.
"Coming to a new country is never easy, but I was fortunate in that I had Dipsy (Selolwane) my fellow countryman already here," said Gabonamong. "He's always there for me, has made things comfortable, and encourages me all the time. In a sense, with Dipsy here, it has felt a little bit like home."
In conversation, Gabonamong betrays the same steely determination that epitomises his game.
"It's still early in the season, there's a long way to go, but I'm happy with what I've done so far," he said. "For me, it's all about hard work and perseverance... it's the only way you get anywhere in life.
"While I'm enjoying myself at Santos right now, there's still a lot to do. And I will continue to work very hard at what I do."
It's this type of attitude that has endeared the midfielder to De Sa.
Gabonamong covers acres of ground during the course of 90 minutes, tackling, linking and passing. He also has the uncanny knack of arriving late in the penalty area to get at the end of crosses or through-balls. While he hasn't, as yet, scored any, it's only a matter of time before he does. And could that occasion be tonight in the cauldron that will be Ellis Park?
For Pirates, make no mistake, will be hit by a whirlwind called Gabonamong.