Bafana Bafana striker Phakamani Mahlambi admits that he is relishing the chance to don the national team jersey ahead of their international friendly against Senegal on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old played a crucial role in helping Amajita qualify for the 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup which is scheduled to take place in South Korea in May.

However, Mahlambi has been included in the Bafana Bafana squad to face Guinea-Bissau and Angola in international friendly matches following his performances for both club and country.

Mahlambi says he is looking forward to making his first appearance for the senior national team and is eager to test his ‘readiness’ against Angola.

‘I am hoping to get a run because the coach had said there will be a rotation of players and should I get the nod, I will grab the opportunity with both hands and do the best for my country,’ Mahlambi told Safa.net

‘Obviously, I want to test my readiness for the senior team, and I have to thank the technical team for selecting me. I trust that God protects me from any injuries as I am really looking forward to playing and showcase my talent on a bigger stage.’

The Wits striker insists that playing for the national team will give himself and Luther Singh the munch-needed motivation as they both prepare for their participation in the U20 World Cup.

‘It’s an honour for me and Luther to come and play alongside the big names in South African football, and for us, this is a motivation – as you know we are going to play the u20 World Cup,’ He added.

‘For us being in the Bafana Bafana squad is a learning period where we need to get some experience to the u20 squad because we want to win that tournament and not make up the numbers.

Meanwhile, the quartet of Erick Mathoho, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Dean Furman and Andile Jali will be assessed at the squad’s final training session as they recover from their respective injuries.

Bafana Bafana will next take on Angola in their second international friendly match on Tuesday.

The match at the Buffalo City Stadium kicks off at 19:00.

Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix