Evans joined Maritzburg after being spotted at an Easter tournament, where he was playing for his brother’s amateur team, Villa FC, in Durban.

Prioe to that he had been down in Cape Town with Santos’ Vodacom team.

The Durban-born Evans, cousin of Ajax CT’s Brett Evans, made a couple of substitute appearances off the bench last season.

But this season he has been a regular for the Team of Choice and has put in some very impressive displays.

For Evans, it has all been about grabbing the opportunity when it came.

“I worked hard during pres-season, but the important thing was to get the chance to play.

“I appreciate the coach giving me that opportunity, and I’m happy things have gone well. There were times I was nervous before a game, but once I’m on the field, I just want to get the ball, to have fun out there,” Evans told the Maritzburg website.

Coach Ian Palmer has used the 21-year-old at left back and at right back, although he says he is more comfortable further forward.

“I prefer to play in midfield, but I’m happy just to get the chance to play, so I’ll do my best wherever the coach puts me.

“I am still learning the ropes as a defender, and its been useful to use the speed I have as an attacker to recover in defensive positions,” he explained.