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Is Zulu the missing link for Bafana?

OPTION: David Zulu of Chippa is waiting for his Bafana shot Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
OPTION: David Zulu of Chippa is waiting for his Bafana shot Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images

DAVID Zulu is determined to add impetus to Bafana Bafana's sometimes blunt attack.

The Chippa United frontman is waiting patiently for his turn to don the Bafana jersey and he is inspired by the national squad's setup.

Zulu was part of the travelling party to Khartoum when Bafana thumped Sudan 3-0 but he was not fielded in that encounter.

He also did not play when the recovered South African side drew 0-all with nemesis and reigning continental champions Nigeria in Cape Town in their second qualifier.

The 28-year-old is part of a 26-member squad coach Shakes Mashaba named last week for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against a dangerous Congo- Brazzaville side this month.

The first leg will be played in Pointe Noire on October 11 and the second is scheduled for Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium four days later.

While Zulu admitted he joined Bafana at an advanced age, he reckoned he has a lot to offer for the now-celebrated national team. For him age is nothing but a number and the Soweto-born attacker draws inspiration from his role model Siyabonga "Bhele" Nomvethe, the veteran Moroka Swallows forward.

"Siyabonga might not have been in the Bafana Bafana team, but he still has energy to take on defenders," said Zulu yesterday.

"I worked hard to be in the national team and I'm working hard at training and I know my time will come to play. I'm not giving myself a time frame as this will put me under pressure.

"I want to prove my worth as a striker. I'm here to help my country to succeed and I will only achieve this through scoring goals. I don't doubt my potential and I add another dimension in our strike force."

He is excited to be working with Mashaba, whom he described as a "knowledgeable coach".

"Bra Shakes knows how to inspire the players and I'm [excited] to work under him. I think most of us will learn a lot from him. We want to help him achieve his goal," added Zulu.

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