Bafana Bafana striker Lars Veldwijk is eager to make an impact upfront for Stuart Baxter’s chargers as they face Libya in a crunch Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Sfax on Sunday.
Veldwijk hasn’t played for the national side since 2017, where Owen da Gama was the caretaker coach following the dismissal of Shakes Mashaba.
The big striker, however, has been enjoying a fine season in front of goal for Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands this season, and has earned himself a recall to the Bafana set up with Baxter admitting that the forward will likely be used as an impact player.
Veldwjik though is not worried about his role in the team and is rather focused on making an impact no matter what situation he is thrown on in.
‘I am a striker and all I want to do is score goals. I think that my height will play a vital role for Bafana Bafana if I am tasked to play the number nine position against Libya or come off the bench to make an impact,’ he told the SAFA website.
‘We worked on some very exciting combinations this morning during training, and the players really put in so great efforts in all departments. We should have what it takes to do well, come Sunday.
‘We have a very good squad here and all the players are very dedicated and true professionals. It is very nice for me to be back in the team and see some old, familiar and new faces,’ he concluded.
Bafana only need a draw against the Libyans to secure a spot in the 2019 Afcon set to be held in Egypt.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix