Bongani Khumalo's impressive Colchester United debut has won him praise from boss Tony Humes.

The South Africa international was excellent in the U's 2-0 win over Yeovil Town, his first appearance for the League One club since joining them on loan from Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season.

It was Khumalo's first competitive appearance since he suffered a serious knee injury playing for his country in a friendly against Brazil, last March.

But the 28-year-old slotted in effortlessly at the heart of the U's defence, something that left Humes suitably impressed.

Humes said: “Bongani is an experienced player and he brings that with him - it was a good debut and he looked very unruffled the whole game.

“He’s played in World Cup Finals for South Africa so he should be able to cope with whatever situation, having done what he’s done in the past.

“He looked very unruffled and very composed in what he did.

“He defended well and did his job as was asked and led the back four very well.

“He’d only had two training sessions with us, so the club and the players around him are very new to him.

“But he watched the (Crawley) game and he’s an astute person.

“He recognised the strengths and weaknesses of the players around him, how we want to play and what’s required."

For a full interview with new U's signing Bongani Khumalo, see Thursday's Daily Gazette.