MEKOA JITTERS EASED
Bafana test for U-23 star
NEW Bafana Bafana cap Deolin Mekoa may be in the squad for the first time but he feels the presence of his Under23 teammates will help him settle quicker in the senior side.
The Maritzburg United midfielder is part of the squad to face Mauritania in a dead-rubber 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Mbombela Stadium on Friday (7.05pm).
Mekoa, 23, is just one of a handful of under-23 players called up to Bafana having recently represented the country at the Rio Olympics.
The others are Abbubaker Mobara, Thapelo Morena, Keagan Dolly, Gift Motupa, Aubrey Modiba and Thabiso Kutumela.
“I was nervous. It was my first training session around all these guys, but it is OK,” said Mekoa after Bafana’s training session in Nelspruit yesterday. “There are familiar faces in the team and this being my first callup, I’m nervous. It puts pressure on me, but I will take it as it comes.
“I’m feeling great, I’m feeling honoured. It is everybody’s dream to play for the first team of South Africa and I’m grateful for that.”
Asked about his chances of featuring against Mauritania and Egypt in the Nelson Mandela Challenge next week Tuesday, Mekoa is feeling confident and raring to go.
“I fancy my chances of playing in the team and if I get a chance I will take it. We’ve got a good squad and I have confidence in the guys. Of course, when we play at home we will win. I’ve got a good feeling that we will beat them,” added Mekoa.
Meanwhile, Keagan Dolly sat out yesterday’s session because of a hamstring strain. The injury will be assessed by the national team’s doctors, who will decide if he is fit to play against Mauritania.