Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana reveals that he was left flabbergasted upon hearing the news of his inclusion to the Bafana Bafana team for the Cosafa Cup.

The 19-year-old defender was included in Stuart Baxter’s side which will look to retain their Cosafa Cup title and Ngezana admits that his inclusion came as a bit of a surprise, especially with the likes of Taariq Fielies, Siyanda Xulu and Motjeka Madisa also forming part of the squad.

Speaking to his club’s official website, the teenager opened up about the moment he heard of his Bafana call-up.

‘I got the news about the call-up via WhatsApp messages from my Kaizer Chiefs teammates,’ he told Chiefs’ official website.

‘I was asleep at the time and realised that my name was in the squad through those messages.

‘I immediately called my parents to express my jubilation. I switched on the TV Sports Blitz channel and saw a repeat of the announcement.

‘I couldn’t believe that I made the 24, because many were in contention for places to be called up.

‘We want to prove to the nation that we deserve the call-up. To be able to conquer Africa, we have to start with winning the Cosafa Cup. This is also a chance for us to showcase our individual talents.

‘This is a different level. It is a mature stage of the game. What’s great is that Baxter gives you a chance to express yourself and he challenges your own views as well,’ he concluded.

South Africa do duty against Madagascar in the quarter-finals of the tournament on Sunday with kick-off set for 3pm.