Representing your country is an honour and every player harbours ambitions of starring in their national team's colours. Unfortunately for some, they never realize this dream despite their obvious talent.
The likes of Thabo Mooki, Jerry Sikhosana, Daniel Mudau and the late Thabang Lebese are good examples of players who never stamped their authority on the international stage, despite being highly respected for their football prowess. Daine Klate seems to be on the same trajectory.
The former SuperSport United player has been dishing out eye-catching performances for many seasons in the PSL, but has failed to crack the nod in the Bafana Bafana Squad and has only amassed a handful of senior national team caps.
Klate was voted as the Player of the Season in the 2009/10 season, but that was not enough for the Port Elizabeth-born winger to gain recognition and he was once again overlooked for the 2010 World Cup squad. Having honed his skills at the Transnet School of Excellence and represented a number of youth national teams, Klate was touted as the next Bafana superstar, however it seems as if lady luck is not on his side when it comes to senior national team football.
Klate's trophy cabinet is bursting, having won the league title a record five times and collected numerous domestic cup medals at SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates. Moreover, he has been bestowed with several individual accolades in his illustrious career… a career which is only marred by a lack of Bafana caps.
With Shakes Mashaba opting for a youthful Bafana Bafana squad, chances of Klate adding to his cameo Bafana appearances are slim.
Has lady luck deserted Daine Klate, or is he just not good enough for Bafana Bafana?
