Orlando Pirates starlet Augustine Mahlonoko has earned international recognition after being named in the Guardian’s annual top 60 young players in the world.

For the second consecutive year the Buccaneers have a youngster in the UK publication The Guardian’s ‘Next Generation -60 of the Best Young Talents in the Worldwhich features the 17-year old.

The 17-year-old has been listed among other prospects which include Santos starlet Rodrygo, who is considered by many as the new Neymar. The 17-year old has already agreed to join Spanish giants Real Madrid for a whopping €50-million when he turns 18.

Mahlonoko has already made three appearances for the Pirates first team and broke the clubs record for being the youngest ever player to play for Pirates at the age of 16 years and 352 days.

The Vaal-born midfielder says he is honoured to be named among the best young talents in the world, but he concedes that he’ll work extremely hard to fulfil his potential and achieve his goals.

‘It is an honour to be mentioned amongst some of the best young talents in the world, but this doesn’t mean that the work is done,’ Mahlonoko told his club’s official website.

‘This only tells me that I have potential to achieve big things in my footballing career but I need to put in the hard work because without hard work nothing can be achieved.’

Other players who have previously been listed on the Guardian Top 60 and have gone on to impress on the global stage include the likes of Gianluigi Donnarumma (2016), Martin Odegaard (2015), Timothy Fosu-Mensah (2015) and Christian Pulisic, Vinicius Jr (2017).