Africa-Press – Lesotho. Kaizer Chiefs starlet Tumelo Shai is over the moon after being called up for the two Likuena friendly matches against Africa Cup of Nations-bound Mozambique and South Africa.
The 18-year-old is part of the Leslie Notši squad that will play their regional counterparts as part of their preparations for the regional showpiece that will get underway in Ivory Coast on January 13.
Likuena returned to work on Tuesday this week and will play Mozambique on Saturday at the FNB Stadium and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on January 10th.
LEFA recently announced that Likuena had courted some of the continent’s big guns who wanted to play training matches against them as part of their preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The development comes after Likuena’s impressive displays when they played well against the likes of Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Shai, who was born in Qomoqomong, Quthing, left the country for South Africa when he was eight and was at the Wits University Youth Development teams before heading to Naturena to join Chiefs.
“It has always been my dream to play for my country and I’m over the moon to be part of the Likuena squad that is preparing for the two games against Mozambique and South Africa,” Shai said.
“Of course, it was very emotional for me because I have always wanted to represent my country. So yeah, it feels very good to be part of the team. ”
The utility midfielder said he has always looked up to the likes of Motebang Sera, Tshwarelo Bereng and Katleho Makateng, who are already playing their football in the South African Premier League.
“I know a lot about Sera, Bereng and Makateng because they are playing here in South Africa in the Premier League and it is a good experience for me to get to train with them,” he said.
“They have been patient with me and I’m learning a lot from them.
“I’m used to the pressure because playing for Kaizer Chiefs is very tough. It’s a team with a big following and every game we play comes with a lot of pressure.
“The club is always happy that I got a call up for my country and my family as well is happy and proud with the progress in my career,” he said. The youngster said it’s a humbling experience to play for a team of Chiefs’ stature and his dream is to one day make it to the first team.
“Of course, I have met the chairman Mr Kaizer Motaung especially last season when we had to present one of the trophies, we won last year,” Shai said.
“Being coached by former Chiefs player in David Mathebula is a dream come true on its own because he played for the club and knows what it takes to succeed here. We are all learning from him because the goal for me is to one day play my football in Europe,” he said.
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