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ON FORM: Thulani Serero of Ajax Amsterdam in action.

STAR ACT: Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is chased by Bastian Schweinsteiger, right, and Philipp Lahm of FC Bayern Muenchen during the Champions League Final in May.PHOTO: Getty Images

The Bafana Bafana playmaker missed the weekend Eredivisie victory over Waalwijk through suspension, perhaps a blessing in disguise given his exploits with Bafana Bafana in the preceding 10 days.

He will now be well-rested for the trip to the Bundesliga champions and will hope to regain his place in the Ajax side having scored three goals in his past two games for them.

Serero made his Champions League debut last season, making cameo appearances against both Real Madrid and Manchester United. He goes into this game a much leaner, fitter and experienced player, and says it is a dream to play against Europe's best.

"Everybody wants to play in the Champions League. I think that is what we dream about as South African players," Serero says. "I want to test myself against the best in the world, and this is the place for me to do it ..."

Aside from Dortmund, Ajax have been placed in the same pool as Spanish giants Real Madrid as well as English Premiership champions Manchester City. It will be a wonderful opportunity for the 22-year-old to prove that he can make the step-up from the Eredivisie against what is truly Europe's elite clubs.

Meanwhile, May Mahlangu will play for Helsingborg as they begin their Europa League group stages campaign with an away trip to Spanish La Liga side Levante on Thursday.

Anele Ngcongca will miss Genk's home clash with Hungarian side Videoton through injury, while South African-born Sergio Marakis might have to watch from the stands again as his Maritimo team host English Premiership side Newcastle United.

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Sun May 19 03:17:27 SAST 2013 ::

Sep 18, 2012

batical

goodluck mfana wish u score again
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Sep 18, 2012

PANJOdeTIGER

All the Best Serero but i dont see Ajax winning in Germany...
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Sep 18, 2012

Phathuza

Make us proud mfana
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Sep 18, 2012

Zikizet

Good luck sonny
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