5 July 2022 – Representing your nation is always a perfect platform for one to get scouted and earn a move abroad.
This is according to Bafana Bafana midfielder Rowan Human, who said earning his first call-up to South Africa’s COSAFA Cup squad was a dream come true for him. The player further said he intends to make full use of the opportunity, adding that he still has dreams of earning his second move abroad one day.
In October 2020, the now 21-year old gifted midfielder earned a move to Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv FC on a one-year deal, ten months after playing in the 2019 COSAFA Under-20 Men’s Championship, where South Africa’s National Under-20’ (Amajita) side finished second to hosts Zambia.
The Maritzburg United midfielder also stated that this was one tournament he was not going to take lightly, as he knows the kind of doors it can potentially open for a player.
“Opportunities for one to earn a move abroad come when you’re playing for your national team,” Human said. “Most scouts make the effort to follow all of these international matches or tournaments and scout the best possible talents that would fit in well in their respective clubs. It is always important for one to always give it their best, because you never know who is watching. I intend to do exactly that in this year’s edition.”
The COSAFA Cup defending champions are currently in camp in Johannesburg, and will jet off to Durban on 10 July ahead of their first encounter against Mozambique on 13 July at Princess Magogo Stadium (Kick-off 17h00).
Human said he was looking forward to the experience, adding that there was already good chemistry between themselves as players and a solid understanding of what coach Mkhalele wants to achieve with the team.
“It is always good to represent your country, regardless of the age group,” said Human, who has nine Amajita caps under his name. “Some of the players who played in that COSAFA Men’s Under-20 Championship are also part of this current group of Bafana Bafana players. This shows that there’s been growth in our respective developments and individual careers, and I’m really pleased with that.
“We go into this year’s tournament as defending champions and there is, what I call, positive pressure for us to go all the way and defend our title,” Human added. “I have worked with coach Helman Mkhalele before (at Under-20), and there is a good understanding between us as players and what he wants us to achieve. We want to defend our title.”