Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Bidvest Wits striker Eleazar Rodgers hopes it will be third-time lucky with Bafana Bafana after receiving an unexpected call-up to the Shakes Mashaba's squad.
South Africa are set to play a World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso as well as an international friendly against Ghana over the next week.
The last time Rodgers played for Bafana was in 2008 under Brazilian coach Joel Santana, although he got a selection in 2012 but did not feature.
Rodgers has been in fine form for Wits after scoring in the 3-0 MTN8 final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.
"Yes, it definitely came as a surprise but, to be honest, I always felt that I would eventually have another opportunity," he told KickOff.
"I've been here two times before and I was hoping for a third time, and it came very quickly now - as I said it was a surprise - but I believe everything happens for a good reason so I'm grateful for the opportunity.
"Coming into the team after the previous times, [when] I never really had the opportunity to play, there are obviously many reason why I never got the chance to play, but we aren't here to discuss that and I'm positive [of getting a chance this time].
"I'm sure the coach has his plans on how he wants to go about things so it's just for me to - if I get the opportunity - play my part and help the team do what is needed on the day.
"Going into the game [against Burkina Faso], it's a big game...for us as professional players, we just have to do our jobs and do what the coach wants on the day."
The match is scheduled to start at 20:00 (SA time).
