Right-back has always been a problem position in South African football.

Over the years, Bafana Bafana have battled to settle on a regular, consistent player in this position.

Here at Engen Santos, we believe that we have the country’s most promising defender on the right-hand side of the field in Thom-Rick October.

Consistency coats this accomplished footballer like a glove. He always gives his all for the team, He’s a tough, nuggety tackler, an excellent athlete and, when asked to roam forward, he can cross as a well as any right-winger.

In short, this is a footballer with a future.

In a Nedbank Cup win over Moroka Swallows two weeks ago, October swung in an excellent cross to set up Erwin Isaacs for Engen Santos’ third goal in a 3-1 win and, last week, in a 4-0 thrashing of Black Leopards, October this time set up Eleazar Rodgers for the team’s second goal.

He is, without doubt a footballer going places.

And, this coming Friday night at Athlone, he’s ready to give another performance of class and maturity when Engen Santos tackle Jomo Cosmos in an Absa Premiership clash.

Born in Lotus River in the Mother City, October attended Grassy Park High and played for Milano as a junior. He was spotted by Kaizer Chiefs while playing for the SA national Under-23 team and was roped in to play for the Soweto giant’s junior side.

It never worked out there and October returned to Cape Town where played for Avendale in the First Division, before signing for Engen Santos.

Just 25, October is in the prime of his football career and he has become one of the stalwarts of the Engen Santos side.

He is, however, wary of the opposition on Friday.

“Cosmos are one of the hardest teams in the league to play,” said October. “They are an aggressive, hardworking side and should never be under-estimated.

“Having said that, this is a vital game for us. A win will put us right up there at the top and strengthen our chances of challenging for the title.

“Cosmos may be struggling, but we will respect them. They can never be written off. They are just too good a team to approach with any complacency