22 September 2022 – Ashely Du Preez is new to Gauteng and even newer to the national team setup.

He left Idas Valley, Stellenbosch, a few months ago for the City of Gold and seems to have hit the jackpot in his career. Not only has his dream of playing for one of the biggest teams in the country come true after joining Kaizer Chiefs before the start of the season, but he has also received his first call-up to Bafana Bafana. He says the maiden Bafana Bafana call-up brought tears to his mother’s eyes.

“I called home and told them that I was called to play for Bafana Bafana and my mother just cried and cried. It was rough where I grew up and for me to firstly leave home, sign for Kaizer Chiefs and then get a call up, this is all very surreal,” said a proud Du Preez.

But he maintains he is not home sick, does not miss beach days nor pine for a view of the winelands and Table Mountain. He says he had to leave all the comforts behind to really assess who he is and what he wants.

“My football career is more than just playing the sport I know and love, it also supports my family back home. There is a lot that I have to do and leaving home makes me stand on my own, realise my dreams and put them into motion. My family will always be there to support me, I don’t doubt that, says the 25 year-old scoring ace.

For now, he hopes to inspire others to reach for the stars.