Kamohelo Mokotjo is a man brimming with confidence ahead of Bafana Bafana’s Afcon 2019 qualifying double-header against the Seychelles this weekend.
The central midfielder is finding his best form in the English Championship and produced a Man of the Match performance in the 1-1 draw with Leeds last Saturday.
And the 27-year-old is hoping that his class is recognised by coach Stuart Baxter as he prepares his team for the home leg on Saturday and away to the island nation next Tuesday.
Mokotjo has started this season slowly, but after bossing the middle of the park in his third start for the Bees, he is determined to get more game time.
His stats of 88.7 percent successful passes and winning two thirds of his tackles, the former Feyenoord and Twente FC ace is making a strong case to add to his 11 Bafana caps.
And he says: “I haven’t gotten to play a lot of games, so I’ve just been working hard to get into the team and today I think it paid off.
“But I still need to keep working hard and be consistent with my performances. So, I’m just happy with this one, and I’m really appreciative of starting this game.”
After having a rocky relationship with former SA boss Shakes Mashaba, he adds of the playing in the Gold and Green: “It’s always an honour.
“And, going back after playing such a good game, I think will say something to the national team coach too.
“But, yeah, I know when I’m at the national team what my job is, but all the experience I get here [at the club] I get to use it there too.
“So, I’m very happy to go back [to the team].”
Mokotjo’s work in training can shake coach Baxter’s confidence in Dean Furman, who was criticised after Bafana’s goalless draw with Libya in their last Group E clash.
Furman was outplayed and failed to play enough effective forward passes, an aspect of the game Kamo is excelling in as Bafana look to rack up six points from their next two assignments.