WHEN Fifa President Sepp Blatter announced that the 2010 World Cup would be staged in South Africa, many South African footballers relished the chance of displaying their skills in the greatest sporting event on South African soil.

Matthew Pattison, who was born in South Africa and raised in England, was no different.

Though he had played professional football only in England, the Johannesburg-born midfielder decided to pack his bags and leave the grey skies of England and head down to sunny South Africa.

He signed a two-year contract with Mamelodi Sundowns in the hope that the national team selectors would have a look at him, but so far nothing has happened.

But Pattison remains hopeful that his luck will soon change.

"I did not expect to get a call-up overnight. I'll keep playing well for Sundowns and hope that I get selected but if it doesn't happen it will not be the end of the world," he said.

"I'm only 23 and I've got a long future ahead of me and I still have a chance of representing South Africa in the African Cup of Nations and the other World Cups."

He added that he has no plans of playing for England as he is very happy here.

"My family is here and I'm happy with my life in South Africa," Pattison said.

Regarding his team's chances of winning the league, the stocky midfielder said there was a belief in the Brazilians' camp that they can wrestle the title away from SuperSport United.

"We have a real chance because there's only three points separating us and we have a game in hand."