Maluleke not dismayed by Bafana non-selection

Cape Town - Polokwane City's veteran midfielder Jabulani Maluleke says playing for Bafana Bafana is still a goal he holds though he wishes the national team every success without him.

Maluleke has been one of the Absa Premiership's most consistent performers since making his debut in 2005/06 for Black Leopards, however, has never been handed a chance with the national team.

The 36-year-old won the PSL title in 2009/10 with SuperSport United as well as the Nedbank Cup in 2012. He has been with Rise and Shine since 2014 where he continues to produce the goods even at a ripe old age.

In his lengthy career, the player has recorded 30 goals and over 50 assists in 300 plus appearances. Recently, his good form was recognised when he picked up the Player of the Month gong for October.

Nonetheless, international recognition continues to elude him though this does not seemingly bother the Soweto-born star.

He told KickOff website: “I've been getting this question more and more frequently but, for me, I've been in the national team setup in 2008 and I just didn't get an opportunity to play.

“But I have been in the setup for long and all I can say is that if anything comes I'll be ready for it. But I'll be happy for the guys if they can qualify and be in the African Cup of Nations [next year].”

Bafana Bafana held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw on Saturday in a Group E Africa Cup of Nations qualifier meaning they need just a point their final match against Libya to secure their place for the tournament in Cameroon in 2019.