Kaizer Chiefs forward Ashley Du Preez has is aiming to leave his mark on the international stage after receiving his maiden Bafana Bafana call-up.
Du Preez has teamed up with the Bafana Bafana squad following the injury-enforced withdrawal of Lyle Foster and is in line to make his international debut when South Africa plays host to Botswana and Sierra Leone in the coming days.
The former Stellenbosch FC star, who was previously named in a provisional squad by Hugo Broos for June's CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco, has now made the final selection for the first time and is looking to leave his mark on the international scene.
"It was actually strange, I was at practice with Chiefs and on my way home I received the call," Du Preez told the Bafana Bafana media team. "I don't have words to express my feelings in that moment, I was just overwhelmed. I wanted this opportunity and it's here now so I will grab it with both hands to make sure I enjoy every moment of it.
"I think every player wants to make their mark and show everyone what they are capable of doing," he added. "That's exactly what I want to do. I want to express the talent I have and make a mark, and show the world what Ashley Du Preez is capable of doing."
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Du Preez was called up and arrived in camp earlier this week after medical scans revealed that Westerlo striker Foster would not be able to play any part in the two upcoming friendlies due to an injury suffered with his club.
"Lyle told us that he felt something in the last game on Saturday with his club. The doctor said that we would see how things were going but today it was worse," Broos previously told the Bafana Bafana media team.
"We decided immediately for him to go and have a scan and there was inflammation and some other things that were not right so it was no use to keep him here because he wouldn't be ready for Friday's game or next week Tuesday.
"So, he had to leave the camp and with Du Preez we have a replacement for him. It's also a good opportunity for him to show his qualities are and if we can keep him with the group for the next few games."
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