Cape Town – Despite an indifferent start to his Mamelodi Sundowns career Reyaad Pieterse says he is aiming to dethrone incumbent Itumeleng Khune as Bafana Bafana's first-choice goalkeeper.
According to a SowetanLIVE report, Pieterse revealed becoming South Africa's first-choice shot-stopper was the motivation behind his move to Chloorkop from SuperSport United.
The 26-year-old had a nightmare debut for Masandawana when he was at fault for each of AmaZulu's goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw in an Absa Premiership clash.
Despite this Pieterse has made his bold national team claims while hailing his move to the current league champions.
"Its been really good‚" Pieterse said. "Ive been enjoying the opportunity I got given‚ so Im pleased about that.
"The debut I had against AmaZulu wasn't the ideal debut one wants. But I learnt from my mistakes in the second game against Arrows. And Im glad I could contribute to the team and get a clean sheet in that game.
Despite also largely playing second-fiddle to fellow Bafana Bafana international Ronwen Williams, Pieterse said the added competition for places at Sundowns would drive him to new heights.
"That's one of the reasons why I joined Sundowns – because you know that when you compete against the best you only get better‚" he said.
"I want to compete for the Bafana spot as well. And I know that working with the likes of Kennedy and Denis‚ and working with coach Wendell [Robinson]‚ I will definitely improve.
"I just know that I need to put my head down‚ keep grafting‚ keep working on my weaknesses‚ and on my strengths.
"Obviously they know my ambitions. And even when I met with the president [Patrice Motsepe] he told me‚ 'we want you to be the Bafana No.1.
"I know what I need to do. Its not going to be an easy journey because of the competition that Ive got here. But it only makes it sweeter at the end of the day."
Sundowns are next in action against Gavin Hunt's Bidvest Wits side on October 7 at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:30.
