JOHANNESBURG - Striker Ryan Moon says he still can’t believe he has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad that will play in the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against Botswana at the Francistown Stadium in Botswana on Saturday (starting at 3.30pm).
He is one of the 15 new players brought into the squad after the COSAFA Castle Cup tournament that ended last weekend in Rustenburg.
The Kaizer Chiefs player says it’s a dream come true.
“It’s a great honour for me. It’s been a great week for a young boy like me to realise his dream so early. When I was much younger than now, I dreamt of this chance, now I am here and it’s just unbelievable,” said Moon.
“The sessions have been great, the players have been welcoming, more so because I played with most of them at different clubs, so it’s been a great feeling, and sometimes I have to remind myself that I am here, because I just can’t believe that I am with Bafana Bafana.”
Moon is from a football-mad family.
His older brother, Bryce, spent some time playing in Greece and locally he was on the books of Supersport United, Ajax Cape Town, Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Bryce has also been capped at Bafana Bafana level.
The 21-year old says that’s where he found inspiration.
“As a family we would go to every game that Bryce played at, and be very supportive and meet some of the players. When I first found out about the national team call up, I sent Bryce so many messages but did not tell him what happened, I kept on saying ‘guess what’ so many times.
"He got worried that something terrible had happened, but when he found out he was very excited and called me immediately to tell me he was proud of me and wished me luck,” added Ryan.
Ryan is aware that they are in for a tough day in the office against Botswana but believes they have what it takes to get away with a victory.
He was not part of the 2-0 win in the COSAFA CUP last week.
While being called up to the national team is a great honour, the KwaZulu Natal-born striker says he is about to fulfill a childhood dream.
“Another achievement for me would be to play and score goals for Bafana Bafana, and given a chance over these two games I will give it my all. But as this is a team of great players I will take it as it comes.”
The second leg is set for Saturday, July 22, at the Moruleng Stadium.