NHLAKANIPHO Ntuli is viewed as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from South Africa in years and the 18-year-old has been rewarded for his steady improvement with a Bafana Bafana call-up.
He has been called to the "reserve" Bafana squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan and Nigeria.
The FC Twente attacking midfielder is no stranger to national team coach Shakes Mashaba, who has worked with him at under-20 level, and says he has already realised a dream with his Bafana recognition.
Having joined the Dutch club earlier this year, he has made steady progress and is now a regular with their reserve side.
"Everything is going well, I have got a lot plus points from the training I have been doing there," he told Sowetan.
"I trained with the first team two weeks ago and I am in the starting lineup of the reserves, so I have settled in very well."
He said Jan Zoutman, the reserve team coach at Twente, has also been very supportive.
"The trainer has really made me feel at home in Twente and I feel like he believes in me and that is important for me. He is a very good trainer. I feel welcome to play for Twente."
The former Orlando Pirates youth player has recently been joined at the club by compatriot and fellow Bafana Bafana call-up Kamohelo Mokotjo and he said that has helped him settle.
"For him to be here is better for me. It is natural that someone from South Africa will be good for me, and we do catch up sometimes," Ntuli said. "It's not that we see each other that often because he is on one programme with the first team and I am on another, but it is definitely a good thing to have someone from home here."
He admitted to some surprise at his national team recognition but is determined to make the most of his opportunity.
Things looking up for Bafana's new star
NHLAKANIPHO Ntuli is viewed as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from South Africa in years and the 18-year-old has been rewarded for his steady improvement with a Bafana Bafana call-up.
He has been called to the "reserve" Bafana squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan and Nigeria.
The FC Twente attacking midfielder is no stranger to national team coach Shakes Mashaba, who has worked with him at under-20 level, and says he has already realised a dream with his Bafana recognition.
Having joined the Dutch club earlier this year, he has made steady progress and is now a regular with their reserve side.
"Everything is going well, I have got a lot plus points from the training I have been doing there," he told Sowetan.
"I trained with the first team two weeks ago and I am in the starting lineup of the reserves, so I have settled in very well."
He said Jan Zoutman, the reserve team coach at Twente, has also been very supportive.
"The trainer has really made me feel at home in Twente and I feel like he believes in me and that is important for me. He is a very good trainer. I feel welcome to play for Twente."
The former Orlando Pirates youth player has recently been joined at the club by compatriot and fellow Bafana Bafana call-up Kamohelo Mokotjo and he said that has helped him settle.
"For him to be here is better for me. It is natural that someone from South Africa will be good for me, and we do catch up sometimes," Ntuli said. "It's not that we see each other that often because he is on one programme with the first team and I am on another, but it is definitely a good thing to have someone from home here."
He admitted to some surprise at his national team recognition but is determined to make the most of his opportunity.
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