Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has openly expressed his burning desire to don the national team colours and represent Bafana Bafana.
The 28-year-old returned to South Africa in January, signing for Amakhosi on a free transfer after parting ways with the Russian side, Fakel Voronezh.
He’s provided the Phefeni Glamour Boys with a crucial boost in midfield, making a significant impact across 15 appearances in all competitions – 11 in the Betway Premiership and four in the Nedbank Cup.
Cele was among the players who were called up to the Bafana squad for the ongoing COSAFA Cup taking place in Bloemfontein, Free State. However, he withdrew due to injury.
“When I got that [COSAFA Cup] call-up, I was here in Durban, and instantly, the doctor indicated that it was not possible [to join the team] because of your situation,” said Cele.
“If you look at the games we’ve had, I was being subbed off early, or sometimes I wouldn’t play at all because I was struggling due to my fitness.
“The injury was behind me, not making the COSAFA squad. But when it comes to the national team, I’m involved [with my heart] because I love the country.”
Cele has explained how important playing for Bafana Bafana is to him, asserting he’d seize “any opportunity” to represent the national team.
CELE ON REPRESENTING NATIONAL TEAM – ‘I’VE BEEN FIGHTING FOR IT’
“Any opportunity I’m given to represent the country, I’d wake up even at 2 AM to play for the nation. But it’s just that I’ve been struggling with an injury,” Cele added.
“I do watch Bafana games because it’s football and I support the national team. I want to be part of that. When we grow up as young boys, we have dreams of representing the country.
“So, this is something I’ve been fighting for even with the Under-20s and U-23s. Even the soldiers, when they go to fight, wear a South African badge. So we want to be part of that.”
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