Du Preez ‘overwhelmed’ by Bafana call-up
JUST weeks after a dream move to South Africa’s most storied football club Kaizer Chiefs, destiny has again intervened in spectacular fashion and Ashley Du Preez finds himself in the Bafana Bafana squad.
A Bafana call-up has always been a much-cherished dream since the Stellenbosch-born child prodigy first realised he had football talent. “As a young player watching Bafana Bafana back then as a boy, it was an amazing thing,” said Du Preez.
During the close season, Du Preez was snapped up by Chiefs in a megamoney deal. He had spent six years at Stellenbosch FC and graduated to the senior ranks where he made a telling impact in his debut season in the Premiership.
Now Du Preez is ready to continue the meteoric rise up football’s pyramid into the international arena. He was named as a replacement for injured Lyle Foster who plies his trade in Belgium for Westerlo FC.
His selection was heralded on Bafana’s Twitter account: “A warm welcome to Ashley Du Preez as he joins camp, replacing Lyle Foster who has been released due to injury.”
In an interview yesterday, Du Preez said the call-up came as a massive surprise and when he shared the news with his mother, she was moved to tears.
“My family were the first ones to know about the call-up to the national team,” said Du Preez.
“My mom was crying, and I think the family were very happy for me. It was a good moment for us all.
“I had been at practice with Chiefs and was on my way home when I received the call.
“I don’t have words to express the feeling of being a Bafana Bafana player.
“I was overwhelmed. I wanted this opportunity. It is here now, and I will enjoy every moment.”
Apart from Foster, Bafana’s other foremost strikers like Percy Tau, Evidence Makgopa, Fagrie Lakay and Bongokuhle Hlongwane are all on the injury list ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Sierra Leone at FNB Stadium.
After an eventual start at Chiefs, Du Preez has gone off the boil of late, but his club coach Arthur Zwane feels he may not have a grasp of his role in the team’s attack.
He however had a big impact on teammate Zimbabwean Khama Billiat who has been one of the best players in the league in the past few seasons, especially while playing for Mamelodi Sundowns.
On occasions, he partnered Billiat in Amakhosi’s attack, and when he has not scored he has made assists.
“He is a quality striker,” said Billiat. “He has speed, has a very good first touch and he knows how to set himself free to take a pass in unmarked positions.”