FREE-SCORING Leeds United striker David Somma has finally broken his silence over his desire to play for Bafana Bafana, saying he is keen to contribute to the success of the national squad.

The 25-year-old forward who was born in Johannesburg has set the Championship, the second tier of English football, alight after scoring seven goals - six in the league and one in the League Cup - for the Elland Road side. He is now tipped to be included in the Bafana squad to play against the US in the Mandela Challenge on November 17.

"South Africa is my beloved country and there is no way I can turn my back on the country of my birth," Somma told Sowetan from West Yorkshire yesterday.

"I would have loved to play for Bafana during the 2010 World Cup but there is still plenty time for the next tournament in Brazil in 2014.

"I read in the media that Bafana Bafana manager (Pitso Mosimane) has put me under his radar, that was the best news for me.

"It will be a great pleasure and honour for me to play and contribute to the success of Bafana," said Somma, who also has an option to play for the US or Italy.

He left South Africa at the age of 10 after his parents went to live in the US.

"I was born in Johannesburg and I still remember as a youngster going to watch my favourite club, Kaizer Chiefs," he recalled.

After one season with Tyler in the US, Somma joined the academy of Spanish team Logroñés. His Italian passport made it possible for him to further his soccer career in Europe, and he joined Serie A side Perugia.

He almost joined Chiefs in 2009 before signing for Leeds. "I signed a contract with Kaizer Chiefs but decided to play in Europe. I don't know what influenced my decision," said Somma .