Richards Bay FC midfielder Asanda Dyani received an emotional hero's welcome on his arrival at the Cape Town International Airport after gaining promotion to the DStv Premiership.
Dyani will become the first player from eLwandle in the Strand region to feature in the top-flight.
'Zuka' received a rapturous welcome that continued back to his hometown after community members hired transport services to show their support.
"I am so happy and proud," Dyani tells KickOff.
"I want to thank ikasi lami (my village) for their support. I am also proud of them.
"My job now is to continue working hard and continue making them proud."
The 23-year-old midfielder featured for Kaizer Chiefs' MDC team before returning to Cape Town with Cape Umoya before being snapped up by Richards Bay FC this season.
"I used to travel about 10 km to training while still at Young Bafana.
"I got the opportunity to play for Kaizer Chiefs' MDC team before coming back home where I joined Cape Ubuntu.
"I then moved to Free State Stars and then Cape Umoya before joining Richards Bay this season."