PATIENCE, hard work and a never-say- die attitude have paid off for Port Elizabeth-born Bafana Bafana midfielder Daine Klate.

Klate, who grew up in Gelvandale, has unfortunately been overlooked for the past two seasons by the national selectors, despite being one of the most highly rated players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

He has helped his side SuperSport United to reach two consecutive league titles. He has been in emphatic form this season for his club, scoring eight goals in 15 matches.

The return of Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira was an opportunity for the 24-year-old left-winger to make a contribution to the national team after a frustrating year while the national team was coached by Joel Santana.

“It is a great privilege to be selected to play for Bafana. I’ve really been working hard to get the nod. It has always been my dream to play for my national team. I hope to do well and cement a place for myself for the squad that will play in the World Cup,” Klate said. “I cannot go as far as to say it was frustrating not to be called to the national team earlier while playing some of my best football. The guys who were selected ahead of me were deserving of their places. I just had to be patient, and now I’m happy that my hard work has paid off. Being left out only made me improve my game to ensure that the selectors took notice of me as well.”

Klate’s great form was not only rewarded with his selection to the national team. Earlier this week he was announced as PSL player of the month for October after brilliant performances for SuperSport.

“SuperSport is doing very well and I am happy to have made a contribution. I hope I will add value and help the side to another PSL title. For now I hope to make a contribution to Bafana as well,” the diminutive midfielder said.

He began his soccer at the age of eight at Rufane Donkin Primary School. He was later a pupil at Gelvan High School. While in Port Elizabeth, Klate played for northern areas side Glenville Celtic.

“It is even more special to get the opportunity to be part of the squad that will play in front of my home crowd in Port Elizabeth. Not every player gets that opportunity. It will definitely motivate me, knowing I have the support of my home fans,” he said.

At the age of 15, Klate moved to Johannesburg to play for the Transnet School of Excellence before joining the SuperSport United Academy in 2002. Two years later, aged 19, he was promoted to the SuperSport first team, and has gone on to make more than 100 appearances for the Pretoria side. Klate’s family moved to Gauteng to be closer to him three years ago, but the star still visits the city often.

He is eager to take the field, and hopes Parreira will include him in the squad to play Japan on Saturday and Jamaica on Tuesday.