Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mduduzi Shabalala has shared his thoughts on being named in the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad.
Bafana will battle neighbours Lesotho at Free State Stadium on 5 September, before hosting Nigeria at the same venue four days later as part of South Africa's World Cup qualifier campaign.
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The 48-man squad was announced on Thursday afternoon and includes a blend of youth and experience.
Among them is Shabalala, who has started all three of Amakhosi's games this season. Shabalala was also a key figure for the Soweto giants last season, contributing four goals and three assists in his 33 appearances across all competitions.
He has never donned national team colours at the senior level, although he was a regular for South Africa's lower ranks, including the Under-17s, Under-20s, and Under-23s. Shabalala was also a key member of the South Africa COSAFA squad in June.
Speaking at the club's media open day on Monday morning, the 21-year-old said he was keen to impress in Amakhosi's next fixtures.
" I think it is everyone's dream to play for Bafana or to represent their national team," the attacker said.
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"For me, I just need to really work hard in the next two games so I can put myself in a good position. It's not easy because we have seen how the team is performing, with the consistency around everyone and the players.
"So for me, it is all about doing my job and waiting for the right moment. I believe that the right moment is now; it will happen now."
The next test for 'Mdu of Die' will be a tough task against defending league champions Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium (19:30).
