AmaZulu defender, Marc van Heerden, says he had to ask his girlfriend to pinch him when he received his Bafana Bafana call-up.
The 25-year-old left-back was handed his chance in Gordon Igesund's national team last week after SuperSport United defender, Innocent Mdledle, had to pull out due to a hamstring injury.
Van Heerden's call-up to Bafana was the first in his career and he will be hoping to make his debut for South Africa in one of the two games this week, either against Nigeria or Burkina Faso.
In a press release from SAFA van Heerden said, "I had this feeling that my chance would come, but I could not believe it when I heard that I have been included in the squad to face Nigeria and Burkina Faso. I had to ask my girlfriend to pinch me because it felt unreal. It hasn't really sunk in as yet but I very happy to be here."
It is thought that Kaizer Chiefs defender, Tsepo Masilela, will start at left-back against Nigeria tonight, although van Heerden may be able to make his first international appearance as a substitute.
By Joe Crann
Follow Joe on Twitter: @YesWeCrann
