Mtwali senior has brought joy to soccer supporters in this country for 20 years now with his vision and precise passing. He is now nearing the end of his carer, but fans will be pleased to know that there is someone to fill his big boots - Mtawali's son, Ernest junior.

Mtwali junior, who plays for Wits, remained on the bench for the Absa Cup quarter-final game, while Ernest senior came on as a second half substitute for Gordon Igesund's side.

"I was so happy to see my son in the Wits team, even though he did not make it on to the field," said the proud father.

The former Sundowns maestro said that he used to take his son to training when he was still playing for Orlando Pirates and from there he made the Buccaneers under-15 team.

"Soccer is an in-born thing to my son and it was just natural that I involved him at a early age. He started playing for the juniors of Orlando Pirates when I was still playing for the Buccaneers and his progress has been smooth ever since," said Mtwali.

The 38-year-old said even though he was in Cape Town, the rules at home in Johannesburg where his son is staying are still there to be upheld.

"He is just 18 years old, he is still living in my house and the rules have not changed because he is playing professional soccer," added the oldest Malawi international player, who still likes to keep a tight leash on his son.

He said that he is happy with the opportunities that football have given to his son and with good guidance, his son could achieve what he never did in his playing life.

"He has had the best training possible for a football player. He went to the Netherlands with the under-15's and I think this had a major impact on his career," said the Ajax playmaker.

On the possibility of coaching his national team in the near future, Mtwali said the time will come for him to be a coach, but he is in no hurry.

"I have had the rumours that I have been short listed for the national coach of Malawi but no one has contacted me. I am still playing football not coaching.

"I have not yet reached the stage to coach my country, I believe one has to first learn the bits and pieces of being a club coach before one think of being a national manager."