Kaizer Chiefs’ sparkling striker Ashley du Preez is still digesting the unbelievable news of his call-up to the Bafana Bafana camp, a mere three months since his move to Naturena.
Du Preez joined Chiefs from Stellenbosch FC in the off-season after a remarkable season with the winelands outfit. He hit the ground running and has impressed the fickle Chiefs supporters. He has also done enough to catch the eye of national selectors.
On Tuesday, he got a late call-up to replace injured Lyle Foster who has been ruled out from playing against Sierra Leone on Saturday and Botswana three days later.
“I was at practice at Chiefs and on my way home I received a call,” Du Preez told Safa media. “I think I did not have words to express the feeling, I was overwhelmed.
“But I have always wanted the opportunity, now that it is here, I will grab it with both hands. As a young player, you always watch Bafana and always look up to those players. Now that I am here, I want to do the same and show the world what I am capable of.”
He explained further: “Every player wants to make their mark. When I was at Stellenbosch, people, my family and younger kids were proud [of me] and looked up to me. It is a big deal for me where I come from.
“It was rough [growing up] and I could not do anything but play soccer. I wanted to make my dreams a reality and provide for my family. My friends have also always been there for me.
“My family were the first people I called when I got the news [of Bafana call-up], and I think my mom was crying, they were happy for me,” he said, noting that he always wanted to play for Chiefs.
However, Du Preez will have to compete to secure a place in the starting eleven. He comes up against other attacking forwards including Pula Mmodi, Themba Zwane, Zakhele Lepasa and Mihlali Mayambela.
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