Renowned football scout and former coach Farouk Khan has backed his former academy prospect, Surprise Ralani, to thrive at Mamelodi Sundowns, saying age is just a number for the 34-year-old.

The veteran winger made his much-talked-about move from Cape Town City to the Brazilians last week, joining on an 18-month deal.

Many were quick to question the signing of the 34-year-old considering the club recently released a whole host of players nearing the back end of their careers, including club captain Hlompho Kekana.

However, Khan insists the winger will make a massive impact at the club because he is the best football talent in the country.

“Age is just a number when it comes to Ralani. The boy is the best football talent in the country right now. If you look what he does on the ball, his decision-making and technique, you see that there’s no player like him. I am more than confident he’ll play his best football at Sundowns,’’ Khan told the Sowetan on Tuesday.

“At the academy, we trained him to play a possession-based game and he went to Europe [where he spent 10 years in Sweden and Denmark] and adapted to playing a more direct game. With all these attributes, I don’t think he’ll struggle at Sundowns. It’s frightening to think what he’s going to be capable of at Sundowns, who’re the best team in the country. He’ll be the best signing this January, I put my head on the block.’

“He will be trained by the best coaches in Manqoba and Rulani. A well-coached player always performs in his element and I expect these coaches to help improve Ralani’s game.’’

Ralani left City having joined them from Swedish side Helsingborg in 2018.