Bafana dream comes true for talented Cosmos defender

The energetic, pacy and fleet footed Jomo Cosmos left-back, Cheslyn Jampies, will now swap his yellow club jersey for the national yellow jersey of Bafana Bafana after being selected for the 2017 AFCON qualifier against Cameroon this weekend.

Jampies (26) has been playing fantastic football this season and has been one of the standout players for the Potchefstroom team at Olën Park on the left side of defence. His hard work and dedication has  caught the eye of national coach Shakes Mashaba. The newcomer to Bafana will now want to impress in his first outing with the squad.

“I am really excited and honoured to get the call up to Bafana. It shows that all my hard work throughout my life has paid off. I want to take this opportunity with everything in me,” said Jampies who phoned his family first when he received the good news.

Jampies has been playing excellent football from a young age and was mentored for 8 years at Ajax Cape Town’s youth academy. He then joined Santos’ senior squad and played for the Cape Town club for four years.

“I was at Santos and we always used to joke around that I would play for Cosmos one day. Jomo Sono saw my potential when we (Santos) played against his team last year in the NFD. I then signed a contract last year and the rest is history,” said the 26-year-old.

Jampies is Cape Town born and bred and has made the somewhat difficult transition from the suburb of Belhar to the country’s most famous football grounds this season at Cosmos.

“It was tough at the beginning but I have been adjusting well. The team management and players have been excellent in welcoming me and we have great team spirit. Jomo has been a father figure for me and has helped to work on my game. It is because of him that I was selected for Bafana.”

Jampies reckons that one of his most memorable moments thus far in a Cosmos shirt was his first goal for the club against Platinum Stars.

“It was a great strike. My goal from a free kick that won us the match against Free State Stars at home in February was also very special,” he added.

Cosmos are currently fighting to stay in the Absa Premiership, but Jampies is full of confidence that Cosmos have the resources to avoid relegation.

“Our main priority is to stay in the Premiership and to go all the way to the final in the Nedbank Cup,” said Jampies whose future goal is to play at an overseas club to take better care of his family financially.

“My family is very important to me. My parents have been supportive through the good and tough times. I am also a God-fearing man and guided by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

The talented left-back has not only grabbed attention through his powerful left foot, but also with his unique hairstyle with the golden streak and shaved pattern. “I did that a year and a half ago after a friend dared me to do it. It is now very recognisable and has become my trademark,” he said with a laugh. Trademark may be just the right word for Jampies whose powerful left foot and flashy haircut will continue to excite the SA football fraternity for years to come.