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Johannesburg - Former Moroka Swallows and Bafana Bafana striker, Calvin Pietersen, has called on Pitso Mosimane to rope in Siyabonga Nomvethe when he announces his squad for the African Cup of Nations Qualifier against Sierra Leone on Thursday.
Nomvethe has been in scintillating form for the Dube Birds this season, helping the Soweto side reach the MTN8 final where they face long-time nemesis, Orlando Pirates on Saturday in Durban.
"I think he should be in Bafana for the next game. Who else is going to score goals for us especially away from home in such a crucial encounter?" said the former AmaZulu FC assistant coach.
"The way that he is playing at the moment is actually putting players younger than him to shame. In my view, they would be making a huge mistake if they do not put him in that team."
Pietersen says Nomvethe is working his socks off and could be a good example to the youngsters currently in the Bafana set-up should he be selected.
"He is working very hard yet his body is not even showing any signs that he is old. He is quite quick for a 33-year-old. What makes him an obvious choice is that he has the experience needed for such games.
"At the moment he is the best striker we have. He still has all it takes to be in that team."
Pietersen also revealed his admiration of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Matthew Pattison, and suggested he too should be included.
"He should also be given a chance. He has shown glimpses of brilliance in the last few games. The other advantage is that he can shoot from range.
"He is not an average holding midfielder but is rather a box-to-box player. He is there when the team is defending and also pops up to add numbers when in attack and that is something very rare in our football."
However, Nomvethe underwent wrist surgery on Tuesday which makes him a doubftful starter in this Saturday's MTN8 final. Birds boss Rainer Zobel remains optimistic about Bhele's condition but the injury could hamper his chances of a recall to the national team.
Nomvethe has been in scintillating form for the Dube Birds this season, helping the Soweto side reach the MTN8 final where they face long-time nemesis, Orlando Pirates on Saturday in Durban.
"I think he should be in Bafana for the next game. Who else is going to score goals for us especially away from home in such a crucial encounter?" said the former AmaZulu FC assistant coach.
"The way that he is playing at the moment is actually putting players younger than him to shame. In my view, they would be making a huge mistake if they do not put him in that team."
Pietersen says Nomvethe is working his socks off and could be a good example to the youngsters currently in the Bafana set-up should he be selected.
"He is working very hard yet his body is not even showing any signs that he is old. He is quite quick for a 33-year-old. What makes him an obvious choice is that he has the experience needed for such games.
"At the moment he is the best striker we have. He still has all it takes to be in that team."
Pietersen also revealed his admiration of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Matthew Pattison, and suggested he too should be included.
"He should also be given a chance. He has shown glimpses of brilliance in the last few games. The other advantage is that he can shoot from range.
"He is not an average holding midfielder but is rather a box-to-box player. He is there when the team is defending and also pops up to add numbers when in attack and that is something very rare in our football."
However, Nomvethe underwent wrist surgery on Tuesday which makes him a doubftful starter in this Saturday's MTN8 final. Birds boss Rainer Zobel remains optimistic about Bhele's condition but the injury could hamper his chances of a recall to the national team.
