Bafana Bafana
Pattison wants Bafana chance
2010-08-16 12:30
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Johannesburg - Matthew Pattison is hoping his exploits for Mamelodi Sundowns will help him don another yellow jersey - the one of the national team.
The nuggety midfielder has been impressive for the Brazilians since
making the switch from English outfit Norwich at the start of last
season.
The 23-year-old was never really a part of coach Carlos Alberto
Parreira's plans despite his fine performances - featuring only against
Zimbabwe and Swaziland at the start of the year under the Brazilian's
tenure.
But Pattison has been closely watched by new boss Pitso Mosimane and is desperate to get his chance in Bafana Bafana colours.
"I am crossing my fingers that I will get that call-up and it
would be a huge bonus if it were to happen this year," Pattison told Business Day.
"I have not heard anything officially from anyone (in the Bafana
camp) but I am going to keep working very hard and hopefully it will
come."
Unlike most Europe-based players who moved to South Africa ahead
of the World Cup, Pattison has no imminent plans to return abroad.
"I cannot see myself going anywhere until I get into the
national team. I am enjoying myself here in SA at the moment and I am
going to stick around for a while," he added.
"My wife and my daughter are here with me in SA now and besides,
people do not realise just how high the standard of the Premier Soccer
League really is.
"I will only be 26 when the World Cup is in Brazil in 2014 and
if I get a call-up, it would be a huge step towards realising my
ambition," Pattison concluded.