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Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns defender Tebogo Langerman does not understand why he is not a part of Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki's plans.
Despite being one of the most consistent full-backs in the country and a major contributor to Sundowns' dominance of South African football in recent years, Langerman has regularly been overlooked for national duty.
Many feel that the 33-year-old should be there on merit instead of the likes of Bidvest Wits' Sifiso Hlanti and Orlando Pirates' Innocent Maela.
And while Langerman admits he is hurt by his omission from the national team setup, he is not sulking and says he will continue working hard to try and force his way into contention.
"I'm available for Bafana Bafana. I can play for Bafana Bafana anytime. Whenever I get a call-up, I'll honour it. I don’t know why I’m not there," Langerman told KickOff.
"It does (hurt me that I'm not in the Bafana team) sometimes. I still feel I can give more for my country.
"Obviously I'm not that worried because my job is safe here at Sundowns, which is my club. Bafana comes once or twice a year.
"I will continue to work hard and if an opportunity presents itself for me to get back to Bafana, I'll definitely honour the call-up. I don't have any problem."
Despite being one of the oldest players at Sundowns, Langerman is one of the fittest at Chloorkop and puts it down to taking care of his body as well as healthy competition for places in the squad.
"I work very hard and I run more than anyone in the team. I think it is only Thapelo Morena who runs more than I do," he revealed.
"I make sure that I take care of myself. For me, it is always about the team. I work for the team. I love my job and I make sure that I do the right things so that I can be here as long as I can.
"Lyle Lakay is pushing me. Whenever he plays the team does well. Whenever I play the team also wins. So, it is a good and healthy competition and that can only be good for the club."
