The former Nottingham Forest striker has declared his allegiance to the birthplace of his father.
Nottingham Forest’s Lars Veldwijk looks dejected
This summer saw Nottingham Forest part company with Dutch striker Lars Veldwijk. He left on a free transfer, joining Belgian side KV Kortrijk on a free transfer, after Forest agreed to cancel his contract in order for the deal to go through.
Veldwijk failed to score in his first season at Forest, although did net in the EFL Cup against Millwall in August.
He netted 14 goals in 35 appearances for the Dutch club PEC Zwolle in a loan spell last season.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Nabil Bentaleb (L) in action against Nottingham Forest’s Lars Veldwijk (R)
That sort of form saw him linked with an international call-up, which he has now received. The former Forest striker will not however be playing for the Netherlands, but South Africa.
The Forest flop has been named in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Senegal. He is eligible through his father, who was born in South Africa, and admitted to Het Nieuwsblad this week that he has never been to South Africa:
“I admit that this sounds a bit weird, I have never visited South Africa, but I love football and want to play for Bafana Bafana. The country also has a great football history.”
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Forest fans never saw the best of Veldwijk and will be wondering if he could have ever been a hit at the club. He has actually struggled in Belgium since his move and playing for South Africa next month will be a welcome break for the striker.
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