And the sprightly, effervescent Engen Santos midfielder is eager to showcase his ability when he returns to his home province for the Cape club’s Nedbank Cup quarter-final tie with Free State Stars at Goble Park in Bethlehem on Sunday.

Kick off is at 3pm and it will be televised live on SABC 1.

Kanono originally hails from Thaba-Nchu, about 50kms outside Bloemfontein, where played football for Small Brothers and City Brothers before making the step up to big-time football by signing for Bloemfontein Celtic.

While there, he was in touch with then-Engen Santos technical adviser Farouk Khan, who persuaded the youngster to come to the Mother City.

That was in 2003 – and Kanono, despite some ups and downs, has been here ever since.

Some mesmerising performances for Engen Santos have been clouded by some ordinary displays – but there’s no doubting the fact that, when Kanono is on song, he is one of the most exciting talents in the country.

He has had his share of disappointment this season, especially at times when he was just starting to show glimpses of top form.

He got red-carded in the game against Bidvest Wits in October last year, which was the first time ever in his career that he has been sent off. Because of his quick feet and sensational skill, he is always targeted by defenders and, on this occasion, he just lost his cool and lashed out at the player.

To crown this disappointment, Kanono was then red-carded for a second time this season when given his marching orders in the Nedbank Cup match against Orlando Pirates last month.

Because of this, he is desperate to contribute to the team in some way to make up for some of the disappointment of the season.

He’s itching; he’s keen to get on the field and play to the best of his ability.

And that spells bad news for Free State Stars this weekend.

“I think we have what it takes to beat Free State Stars,” said Kanono. “I think even in the first half of the season we were doing well but not getting the results. Now we are getting there, we are playing well and results are starting to go our way.

“We have found our form and fitness, and there’s no reason why we cannot pull this one off on Sunday.”

Kanono, who predictably names Brazilian genius Ronaldinho as his favourite player, is nicknamed “Zane” by his Engen Santos teammates.

He explains: “The nickname “Zane” was given to me when I was very young because all my friends thought I played like Zane Moosa, the former Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder. And the nickname has just stuck throughout my career.”

So think Ronaldinho, think Zane Moosa… and you have idea of what Thembile Kanono can offer as a footballer.

Have you got the picture?

Well, now Kanono wants to go out there and show what he can do as Engen Santos’ quest to win the Nedbank Cup gets into full gear on Sunday.