Luther Singh stated his determination to seize the opportunity to return to the Bafana Bafana squad after a five-year absence. These statements came amid the team's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane.
Singh is set to maximize his long-awaited return to the national team by demonstrating good form with AEK Limassol. He made these comments before Bafana Bafana's first training session at the University of Johannesburg on Monday, after head coach Pitso Mosimane called him up for the upcoming international window.
The 29-year-old footballer had not represented South Africa since September 2021, but his recent form in Cyprus helped him earn a new chance. Singh, who is also the vice-captain of his club, scored one goal and provided one assist in four matches for AEK Limassol this season, continuing an impressive campaign last season when he scored nine goals and provided six assists.
These statistics helped bring him back into Mosimane's sight, but Singh believes his return is due to something more than just his on-field performances. He noted: 'It has been a long time since I was part of the national team, but the dream was always a dream, and the goal was always a goal.'
The former Braga forward admitted that during his absence from the national team, he had to significantly change his approach. He added: 'I needed to work harder, I needed to work smarter, and I had to change a lot to represent my country again, and I am simply grateful for this new opportunity, and this time I will take it with both hands.'
Singh returns to the Bafana Bafana team, which has changed significantly since his last appearance in the national jersey. South Africa participated and played in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reaching the playoff stage, and Mosimane returned to lead the team.
The winger believes that the foundations laid by Bafana Bafana in recent years provide the team with a base for development under Mosimane's leadership. He is confident: 'We must be very honest, the team was very good in the last couple of years, and we must build on that, and I am sure working with the coach will lead to great things.'
Now Singh has a chance to transform his club form into a sustained international comeback. Bafana Bafana will play against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26 as part of the first qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, followed by a match against Eritrea in Egypt on September 30. After that, they will play a friendly match against Egypt on October 4.
After waiting more than five years for a new chance, Singh made it clear that he does not intend to let this opportunity slip away. Furthermore, Singh's inclusion in the squad led to a change in the lineup of Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi, who participated in the recent World Cup.