South African national team ahead of friendly against Brazil. Photo: Facebook.

Jewish soccer star Dean Furman was selected by South African coach Gordon Igesund to be a member of the country’s national team in two exhibition matches, one on Friday against Brazil, and the second against Mozambique.

“It’s a great honor,” Furman told BBC Radio in Manchester.  “It’s the country of my birth, I lived there until I was five and some of my family still live there.  It’s a very proud moment for me. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of and I hope I can do myself justice.”

Furman, who once played for Chelsea in England, is hoping to use the opportunity to become a permanent fixture on the South African squad, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2013.

“It’s a real target. My aim over the coming 10 days is to show the manager what I’m all about and make sure I’m in his plans for the future.”

Paul Dickov, who manages Furman at the club level for Oldham Athletic, said his midfielder’s call up is a deserved one.

“It is a reward for all the hard work he has put in. To get the chance to play against Brazil, with all their top players, will be a great experience.”