Luther Singh earns Bafana Bafana recall after five-year absence

Luther Singh says he never gave up hope of returning to the South Africa squad after being recalled for the start of Pitso Mosimane’s second spell as coach.

The 29-year-old forward is included in the Bafana Bafana squad for two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, followed by a friendly against Egypt in Cairo on 4 October.

Singh, who has impressed for Cypriot club AEL Limassol this season, last played for South Africa in September 2021. He featured for 74 minutes in a goalless World Cup qualifying draw against Zimbabwe in Harare.

Bafana Bafana will host Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday before travelling to Cairo to face Eritrea on Wednesday next week.

“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 the periods in which he was overlooked only strengthened his determination to continue working towards another international opportunity.

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

The recall comes after a strong run of form for AEL Limassol. Singh has scored once and provided one assist in four league appearances this season.

His form follows an especially productive campaign last term, when he scored nine goals and registered six assists in as many league games for the Cypriot side.

Singh has won 13 caps for Bafana Bafana and scored three goals. He was previously a South African youth international before establishing himself in the senior national set-up.

His return forms part of a new era for the national team under Mosimane, who is back in charge as South Africa begin their latest Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.