Cape Town - Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola said he is over the moon following his first Bafana Bafana call-up.
The versatile midfielder had been a constant figure in the Buccaneers' line-up after since hitting form last season, most recently scoring a brace for Pirates during their 4-1 Premiership win over Chippa United during the week.
Makola has since been rewarded with a place in Shakes Mashaba's 25-man squad for South Africa's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on September 5, leaving the playmaker overjoyed.
"I am so excited. It's always been my dream to play for Bafana Bafana, since my days at Free State Stars," Makola told KickOff.
"They always say you can't cheat football. It shows that if you always give your best shot, you will always get the results.
"I am ready to grab this chance with both hands and I won't disappoint. I am determined to use this opportunity and stamp my authority in the Bafana Bafana jersey."
Bafana Bafana take on Mauritania on Saturday, September 5 and the match will be played in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Kick-off is at 19:00 SA time.
Bafana Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers: Jackson Mabokgwane (Mpumalanga Aces FC), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United).
Defenders: Erick Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Bidvest Wits), Siyabonga Nhlapo (Bidvest Wits), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk), Mzikayise Mashaba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Zulu (Platinum Stars), Tsepo Masilela (Kaizer Chiefs).
Midfielder: Dean Furman (SuperSport United), Andile Jali (KV Oostende), Bongani Zungu (Sundowns), Mandla Masango (Randers FC), Phumlani Ntshangase (Bidvest Wits), Jabulani Shongwe (Bidvest Wits), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mpho Makola (Orlando Pirates), Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren), Daylon Claasen (1860 Munich).
Strikers: Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Orlando Pirates), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Bidvest Wits), Tokelo Rantie (Bournemouth).