New Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley du Preez has revealed emotional feelings following his first call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad that will play two friendlies with Sierra Leone on 24 September and Botswana on 27 September.
The 25-year-old striker, who signed for Amakhosi before this season started, joined the national team as a replacement for Lyle Foster who’s injured.
He says his maiden Bafana Bafana call-up brought tears to his mother’s eyes.
ASHLEY DU PREEZ ON HIS FIRST BAFANA BAFANA CALL-UP
“I called home and told them that I was called to play for Bafana Bafana and my mother just cried and cried. It was rough where I grew up and for me to firstly leave home, sign for Kaizer Chiefs and then get a call up, this is all very surreal,” Du Preez told the SAFA website.
Former Stellenbosch FC forward is new to Gauteng having spent his life in Stellenbosch, but he says he is not home sick and does not miss beach days nor does he pine for a view of the winelands and Table Mountain.
He says he had to leave all the comforts behind to discover who he is and what he wants.
“My football career is more than just playing the sport I know and love, it also supports my family back home. There is a lot that I have to do and leaving home makes me stand on my own, realise my dreams and put them into motion. My family will always be there to support me, I don’t doubt that.”
