Image of

THE Bafana Bafana squad has a distinct Port Elizabeth flavour in Elrio van Heerden and Kermit Erasmus, as well as Daine Klate, who may get the opportunity to play in front of their home crowd.

Erasmus and Van Heerden are based in Europe. Erasmus, 19, plies his trade for Dutch side Excelsior Rotterdam, while Van Heerden is contracted to English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers on a loan agreement from Belgian side Club Brugge.

Erasmus, who starred for the SA under-20 side Amajita in the under- 20 World Cup in Egypt last month, said: “It’s a great achievement being part of Bafana Bafana. Since the World Cup in Egypt I’ve been hoping to get a call-up.

“I was hoping to be one of the youngsters to get the nod. When the opportunity arose I grabbed it with both hands. Hopefully there will be more youngsters to come.”

The striker is cherishing every moment in the Bafana camp and is grateful for the opportunity to work with Benni McCarthy.

“Being in a team with senior guys like Benni, Aaron (Mokoena) and Macbeth (Sibaya) is a bonus. This is definitely a stepping stone for me. I’m learning so much from Benni on and off the field. It really makes me happy and keeps me grounded to see people like him who have made it big yet have stayed friendly and humble,” he said.

Gelvandale-born Van Heerden, 26, who has amassed 28 caps for the national team and scored three goals, will also be playing in front of his home crowd and the new Mandela Bay Stadium for the first time.