Orlando Pirates and South Africa U20 captain Tercious Malepe says he was surprised but delighted to represent Bafana Bafana after being named in the Cosafa Cup squad.

Malepe captained Amajita at the U20 World Cup in South Korea, where they bowed out during the group stages. Even though he had impressed individually, Malepe admits that the call-up came as a bit of a surprise.

‘This call-up came as a surprise, but a pleasant surprise at that,’ he told his club’s website.

‘We (players) all dream of representing our countries, and personally this call-up is one step closer for me realising my dream.

‘I am grateful for the call-up. I want to represent my country at all levels and this call-up has just motivated me even more.

‘I believe the experience I have gained playing in the national team at under twenty level will help me a great deal to adjust and become an even better player,’ he concluded.

Malepe joins fellow Pirates players Sandile Mthethwa and Innocent Maela in Stuart Baxter’s 20-man squad for the tournament.

South Africa will look to clinch their fifth Cosafa Cup triumph, having won the competition in 2002, 2007, 2008 and 2016 respectively.