After being crowned the Finnish Ykkonen's Player of the Season and Golden Boot winner, former SuperSport United striker Darren Smith is dreaming of a Bafana Bafana call-up.
In what was his first year playing abroad, Smith, 24, enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Finnish second division with Ekenas IF, netting a league-high 18 goals in 22 appearances to win the division's Best Player of the Season, Best Striker of the Season and Golden Boot awards.
Scroll through the gallery above to see images of Darren Smith during his time with Ekenas IF
Following the conclusion of the domestic campaign, the former Matsatsantsa striker's form saw him court interest from a host of clubs across Scandinavia, and he ultimately signed a deal with Veikkausliiga side FC Honka, with whom he will take part in the UEFA Europa Conference League next season.
Despite his rapid progression since his move to Europe, Smith is keeping his feet on the ground but admits that he is allowing himself to dream of a potential call-up to the national team at some point in the future.
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"I don't want to think too far ahead," Smith told snl24.com/kickoff. "I just want to focus on regaining my strength and energy during this off-season and the start of the new season with my club and new teammates and take it from there.
"Of course, I've got my personal goals but most of all I want to do well for the club and help the club win some trophies. I haven't won a professional trophy in my career yet so that will be good.
"I can give you that one, it's a goal to win a trophy, and a Bafana Bafana call-up is one of the other major goals. I feel like – since U15 – I've been very unlucky with selection throughout the age groups. I feel like I've been very unlucky with being selected and I haven't ever represented my country.
"That is obviously something every player wants to do so that's one of my major goals. I understand that it's not my timing, it's God's timing, so I will be patiently waiting for that call-up."
This is an extract from the exclusive interview with Darren Smith in the January edition of Kick Off magazine, which is now available to buy in-store or online at Magzter.com