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Johannesburg - Platinum Stars striker Siphelele Mthembu is delighted after receiving a Bafana Bafana call up for the upcoming friendly games against Australia and New Zealand next week.
The 26-year-old forward was a late inclusion to coach Gordon Igesund's squad alongside Siyabonga Nhlapo, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Sibusiso Khumalo.
Speaking exclusively to Sport24 on Wednesday, Mthembu said he was stunned when he received a call from the South African Football Association (SAFA).
“I was really surprised when I got a call from SAFA,” said Mthembu.
“By the time they called I was busy relaxing at home enjoying myself with my family.
“But I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my country.”
The former Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic player's ambitions for the upcoming clashes against the Socceroos and All Whites will be to live up to expectations following his tremendous season with Dikwena.
“What I can promise South Africans is that if I get a chance to be in the starting line-up I will do my best to live up to expectations.
“I will do my best to honour this call-up with pride and I want the public to be proud as well
“I will try hard to show I belong here.”
“Shaka Zulu” already has one Bafana cap behind his name, after making his debut against Zimbabwe late last year.
Igesund and his charges will depart for Australasia on Thursday.
Their clash against Australia is on Monday in Sydney, kicking off at 11:30 (SA time) and New Zealand on the following Thursday at 09:30 (SA time) in Auckland.
The 26-year-old forward was a late inclusion to coach Gordon Igesund's squad alongside Siyabonga Nhlapo, Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Sibusiso Khumalo.
Speaking exclusively to Sport24 on Wednesday, Mthembu said he was stunned when he received a call from the South African Football Association (SAFA).
“I was really surprised when I got a call from SAFA,” said Mthembu.
“By the time they called I was busy relaxing at home enjoying myself with my family.
“But I am grateful for the opportunity to represent my country.”
The former Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic player's ambitions for the upcoming clashes against the Socceroos and All Whites will be to live up to expectations following his tremendous season with Dikwena.
“What I can promise South Africans is that if I get a chance to be in the starting line-up I will do my best to live up to expectations.
“I will do my best to honour this call-up with pride and I want the public to be proud as well
“I will try hard to show I belong here.”
“Shaka Zulu” already has one Bafana cap behind his name, after making his debut against Zimbabwe late last year.
Igesund and his charges will depart for Australasia on Thursday.
Their clash against Australia is on Monday in Sydney, kicking off at 11:30 (SA time) and New Zealand on the following Thursday at 09:30 (SA time) in Auckland.
