Mhlongo delighted with call-up

The midfield marshall has been named in Joel Santana's 30-man provisional squad for the Confederations Cup tournament in June, following a string of impressive displays with the Bucs as a stand-in skipper during Lehlohonolo Seema's absence.

The 28-year-old, who was part of the 2008 African Nations Cup camp, revealed the chance to represent his country again helped soothe his disappointment in Pirates' 1-1 draw to Ajax Cape Town.

"This is the most wonderful news that I have heard this morning, after a very disappointing result against Ajax last night (Wednesday night). Nevertheless, it is an honour to represent my country and I will do my best to help the team," he told the club's official website.

"Now that I managed to make it in the 30-man squad for the team, I have to push myself even harder to make the final team in June and then I can focus beyond that."

Mhlongo joins Pirates team-mates Teko Modise, Lucas Thwala, Katlego Mashego, Moeneeb Josephs and Innocent Mdledle in the provisional line-up.