Cape Town - Thanda Royal Zulu striker Phumelele Bhengu says that he was dumbfounded when he received a Bafana Bafana call-up.
Read: Teko still has Bafana ambition
The forward is part of the 20-man squad that has been called up by head coach Ephraim Mashaba to play in the COSAFA Cup tournament which gets underway from 17 – 30 May in the North West province.
“It’s a very good feeling,” said Bhengu to safa.net.
“Yes, I was once in the junior national teams a long time ago, but to be here at Bafana Bafana is a great feeling.
“It shows that I have been doing something right that is why I am here today. I have been doing what is expected of me and that is to score goals.”
The lethal striker claimed the top goal scorer tag in the NFD with 22 goals, but feels no pressure to perform at national team level.
“I am under no pressure because at this level they call the cream of the crop, so as a striker there will be plenty of chances created.
“I am happy to be part of this squad and need to utilise this opportunity,” added the player known as Ace in football circles.
“This is like a dream come true. From where I am standing, I don’t think there is anything that will stop me from climbing the ladder, but I need to keep on working hard, stay humble and focussed – but most importantly keep on banging in those goals.
“I haven’t played against Botswana since the junior national teams but preparations are going well so we should do well.”
South Africa open their COSAFA Cup campaign with a clash against Botswana in the quarter-final of the competition.
The match takes place on Sunday, 24 May at Moruleng Stadium in the North West Province.
Kick-off is at 17:30.