Luther Singh earns Bafana Bafana recall after five-year absence

Luther Singh says he never gave up hope of representing South Africa again after being recalled to the Bafana Bafana squad following a five-year absence.

The 29-year-old forward has been rewarded for his recent form with AEL Limassol and will be part of the squad beginning a new era under returning coach Pitso Mosimane.

South Africa will host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday in an Afcon qualifier before facing Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday next week. A friendly against Egypt, also in Cairo, is scheduled for October 4.

Singh’s last appearance for Bafana Bafana came in the World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Harare in September 2021. He played 74 minutes of the goalless draw.

Despite being overlooked since then, Singh said the prospect of a return remained a constant motivation.

“It’s been a long time since I was last part of the national team, but the dream was always the same … to work even harder, to change many things for me to be able to come and represent my country again,” Singh told a press conference in Auckland Park yesterday.

The forward said he intended to make the most of his opportunity after receiving the call-up.

“For sure I will grab the opportunity with both hands because the opportunity came again. On my side, it [Bafana snubs] just motivated me to keep going, keep believing, and I had hope and belief that one day I was going to get the chance again, and thank God it happened,” he said.

Singh added that he was eager to begin working with Mosimane as South Africa prepare for their upcoming fixtures.

“I am just looking forward to getting going with the coach, and I know that great things will come.”

The recall follows a productive spell for Singh in Cyprus. He has scored one goal and supplied one assist in four league matches for AEL Limassol this season.

His form has continued from the previous campaign, when he scored nine goals and provided six assists in as many league games.

Singh has won 13 caps for Bafana Bafana and scored three goals. He previously represented South Africa at youth international level before returning to the senior squad for the first time since 2021.