Luther Singh ready to make most of South Africa recall after five-year absence

Luther Singh says he is determined to make the most of his return to the South Africa squad after being recalled by head coach Pitso Mosimane for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The 29-year-old winger has not played for Bafana Bafana since September 2021, but a strong spell with AEL Limassol has earned him another chance at international level.

Singh was speaking before South Africa’s first training session at the University of Johannesburg on Monday. He has scored once and provided one assist in four appearances for AEL Limassol this season, having played a key role in an impressive campaign last term with nine goals and six assists.

The former Braga attacker, who is also vice-captain of his club, believes his recall reflects more than simply his recent statistics.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve been a part of the national team but the dream was always the dream and the goal was always the goal,” he said.

Singh acknowledged that he had to change his approach during his five-year absence from the national team.

“I needed to work harder and I needed to work smarter and I had to change a lot of things for me to come and represent my country again and I’m just grateful that I got another opportunity and this time I’m gonna grab it with both hands.”

Singh returns to a changed Bafana Bafana

South Africa have developed significantly since Singh last represented the country. Bafana Bafana qualified for and competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reaching the knockout stages, while Mosimane has since returned to lead the team.

Singh believes the progress made in recent years provides a strong platform for the squad under Mosimane.

“We have to be very honest, the team has been very well in the last couple of years and we have to build on that and working with the coach as well, great things will come I’m sure.”

South Africa begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26. They then face Eritrea in Egypt on September 30 before playing Egypt in a friendly on October 4.

Singh has waited more than five years for another opportunity to represent his country and is determined to establish himself in the squad again.

His selection has come at the expense of Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi, who featured for South Africa at the recent World Cup.