Kaizer Chiefs forward Ashley du Preez says he was overwhelmed when he first heard about his Bafana Bafana call-up to replace the injured Lyle Foster.
Du Preez, 25, is one of three late call-ups to the national team squad, alongside Siyanda Msani, who replaced Terrence Mashego, and Siyanda Xulu after the injury of Thibang Phete.
The former Stellenbosch FC forward has made six appearances for Amakhosi this season, scoring two goals and assisting on one occasion, which has led to Hugo Broos adding him to the squad for the friendlies against Sierra Leone and Botswana.
“No, it was actually strange. I was at practice with Chiefs and on my way home, I received a call and I haven’t had words to express the feeling that moment, I was just overwhelmed,” he told Bafana’s media team.
“But I wanted this opportunity and it’s here now, so I’ll grab it with both hands and make sure you enjoy every moment.”
Du Preez also admitted it feels a bit surreal to don the national team colours now after previously watching his Bafana heroes on tv.
“Yeah, I think as a young player you’re watching Bafana back then and it was amazing to watch the way the players played, players you look up to in now I’m here and I think I want to do the same,” he added.
“I think it’s all goes with the feeling you had at that moment as a kid and now it’s in present and now you have that moment and you can express in show the world what you’re capable of doing.
“I think every player one want to make their mark and want to show everyone what they capable of doing and this did exactly what I wanted to do. I want to express my talent I have and want to make a mark and show the world what Du Preez is capable of doing and that’s all I want to do for Bafana Bafana.”
Bafana will take on Sierre Leone on 24 September before facing Botswana three days later.
Broos Explains Du Preez Call-Up
