Thabo Cele’s Bafana Bafana dream: “I’d wake up at 2 AM to play!”

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has unequivocally declared his profound desire to represent South Africa, stating he’d “wake up even at 2 AM to play for Bafana Bafana.”

The 28-year-old, who joined Amakhosi on a free transfer in January after his stint with Russian side Fakel Voronezh, has quickly become a pivotal force in the Chiefs’ midfield.

He has made a significant impact in 15 appearances across all competitions, including 11 in the Betway Premiership and four in the Nedbank Cup, a trophy they won to end their 10-year drought without silverware.

Cele was recently called up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the ongoing COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein, but had to withdraw due to injury.

He explained the circumstances of his withdrawal: “When I got that [COSAFA Cup] call-up, I was here in Durban and instantly the doctor indicated that it’s not possible [to join the team] because of your situation.

‘If you look at the games we’ve had, I was being subbed off early, or sometimes I wouldn’t play at all because I was struggling due to my fitness. The injury was behind m,e not making the COSAFA squad. But when it comes to the national team, I’m involved [with my heart] because I love the country.”

Emphasising the importance of playing for his nation, Cele affirmed he would seize “any opportunity” to represent Bafana Bafana.

“Any opportunity I’m given to represent the country, I’d wake up even at 2 AM to play for the nation. But it’s just that I’ve been struggling with an injury,” Cele reiterated.

“I do watch Bafana games because it’s football and I support the national team. I want to be part of that. When we grow up as young boys, we have dreams of representing the country. So, this is something I’ve been fighting for even with the Under-20s and U-23s. Even the soldiers, when they go to fight, wear a South African badge. So we want to be part of that.”