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New Bafana call-up hasn't set foot in SA!

Cape Town - Lars Veldwijk, who was a surprise inclusion in Bafana Bafana’s squad named on Thursday, has never set foot in South Africa.

Veldwijk, who plays for KV Kortrijk in Belgium, was included in Shakes Mashaba’s 25-man squad for the upcoming 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifier against Senegal.

According to Netwerk24, the 25-year-old Veldwijk is eligible to play for Bafana because his dad is South African.

He was born in the Netherlands and previously played for Nottingham Forest in England.

"Yes, first of all I would like to say that it maybe sounds a little bit weird that I want to play for Bafana Bafana because I've never visited South Africa, but I love football and I think Bafana Bafana has a great history,” he told the Nottingham Post.

"I know Benni McCarthy (former South Africa striker). I have watched a lot of football, especially the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, and it was so great. I think the Netherlands standard is a little bit high for me but I think the South African level would be good for me... I don't know."

Veldwijk started his career at FC Volendam in the Netherlands and later played for FC Utrecht. He was also on the books of FC Dordrecht and Excelsior before heading for England in 2016.

He was also loaned to Dutch club PEC Zwolle before joining KV Kortrijk this year.

South Africa meanwhile made a steady start to their qualifying campaign last month with 1-1 draw against Burkina Faso away from home.

They will be aiming for a full three points when Senegal visit the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday, November 12.

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD:

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams, Itumeleng Khune, Brighton Mhlongo.

Defenders

Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Clayton Daniels, Tebogo Langerman, Eric Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba, Asavela Mbekile.

Midfielders

Dean Furman, Andile Jali, May Mahlangu, Thulani Serero, Daine Klate, Ayanda Patosi, Keagan Dolly, Mpho Makola, Hlompho Kekana.

Strikers

Eleazar Rodgers, Thuso Phala, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Tokelo Rantie, Lars Veldwijk
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