‘Vitesse forward needs to earn Bafana call-up’, says Dutch coach
Dutch coach Erol Akbay says promising Vitesse forward Simon van Duivenbooden will need to work his socks off to earn a Bafana Bafana call-up.
Van Duivenbooden has been steadily rising in the Netherlands at Vitesse, having been promoted from the club’s Under 21 ranks.
He had a remarkable feat last season when he scored 17 goals in 23 appearances for the team’s reserve side and was instantly elevated to the senior squad.
The 20-year-old is showing signs that he could be a perfect striker for the Eredivisie club and Bafana Bafana, following a jumpstart to life in the senior team.
He scored one goal in three appearances and is eager to command a first-team place in the Dutch elite league.
However, Akbay, who has previously coached Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), believes the rookie forward is yet to reach the level of being considered for the national team.
‘TOO EARLY FOR BAFANA’
“I saw him once, but to be honest, I was busy with my project and don’t know him. I only know that he came from the Vitesse Under 21,” Akbay told FARPost.
“He is a player with a big frame, and he is very strong. I don’t know how he will do it, but he is currently counted as a Netherlands national because he has a passport.
“If he makes it to be eligible for South Africa, that would be good. He can grow there. He can do that.
“However, for Bafana Bafana, it is too early for him. He must play at least two seasons at the top league level. He has to prove that he plays good football by scoring many goals, but he is not at that level now.
“These players must be given time to show what they have to offer. He is only 20 years old and has the time to prove it.”
The Netherlands-born forward landed in the country last week to acquire a South African passport which could make him eligible for Bafana Bafana selection.
He pledged allegiance to Bafana Bafana, and his arrival could be good news to coach Hugo Broos who has always stressed that they need a natural gunslinger.
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