Khulumani Ndamane has apologised for his passport blunder and hopes he gets another chance to represent South Africa.
The TS Galaxy defender was selected by Bafana boss Hugo Broos for the World Cup qualifiers with Lesotho and Benin, but was forced to withdraw as he didn’t hold valid travel documents.
Thabo Moloisane from Stellenbosch was ultimately called up to replace a very disappointed Ndamane, who spoke to the Sowetan on Thursday.
Ndamane explained that he now has a passport and will be ready the next time he is called upon.
He said: “I was disappointed, and I’d like to apologise to everyone who believes in me.
“Honestly, it did hurt me to miss out on the opportunity to be in the national team because of a passport but sometimes you have to accept setbacks in life, and I believe maybe it was not my time yet.
“I’ve managed to get one, so now mine is to continue working, hoping that I’ll get that chance again.
“It’s everyone’s dream to play for the national team but to be honest, I never saw the call-up coming so early, especially not in my first season, hence it never hit me to go and get my passport when I saw my name in the preliminary squad.”