Ex-Juventus defender wants to play for Bafana

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Former Juventus defender Joel Untersee
  • Post published:September 14, 2020

Former Juventus defender Joel Untersee remains determined to play for Bafana Bafana and wants to prove himself in the South African national team.

The 26-year-old was born in Benoni, Johannesburg but relocated to Switzerland with his parents as a young boy.

Untersee represented Switzerland at junior level but has since decided to represent South Africa at an international level in 2018.

The right back was courted by the South African Football Association (Safa) to play for Bafana Bafana while Stuart Baxter was at the helm, but was struggling to get a work permit to join Bafana for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

‘Yes, definitely I want to play for South Africa, that’s all been my wish,’ Untersee told Far Post.

‘But the last time I was contacted my documents weren’t in order so I couldn’t join the squad, but I’m 100% committed to playing for my country to prove myself.

‘I just want to find a new club, then my performances will speak for me.’

Untersee revealed that he turned down the chance to sign a permanent deal with Swizz side FC Lugano as he felt it wasn’t the right move for his career.

‘I would like to find a club where I can play regular football. I was offered a contract at Lugano, but I opted against it as I felt it’s not the right project for me,’ he said.

‘I want to go somewhere where I can show what I’m capable of as a player.

‘I’ve had a few unfortunate seasons with a lot of instability, so I just want to get things back together and prove myself wherever I will be playing.’