He has since gone on to represent his country five times since September, his latest outing Wednesday's 1-0 defeat to Zambia in Soweto.
Gallery: Bafana v ZambiaVideo: South Africa v Zambia
The Capetonian reckons his recent call-ups to the national side have set him back at Boundary Park, where despite being club captain, he has since regularly started off the bench.
"It is difficult missing games because Oldham is my bread and butter," the 24-year-old told BBC Radio Manchester.
"I've been here for a long time and I want to see the club do well. It's tough to go away, but when your country calls, it's hard to turn down.
"It's a very difficult situation and one that I never thought I would be in. I have to go and serve my country."
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A mandate is a mandate. Fire him!
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16% A mandate is a mandate. Fire him!
73% Give him another chance! Give him another chance!
11% Put it to a public vote to decide on who should take charge of Bafana
Vote Archive
With only three weeks before the winter tests and only six games left in the regular season of Super Rugby the push is on for the top six spots on the log, BayLion says.
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