SOUTH African sharpshooter Steven Matshane is eagerly chasing a football double this month.

Aside from playing a major part in his country's quest to win the AFL International Cup in Melbourne, he wants to witness Geelong nailing down a top-two spot on the AFL ladder.

Such is his passion for the Cats that he even preaches "the greatest team of all" gospel back in his home town of Mahikeng in one of the AFL's furthest outposts, near the border with Botswana.

"I'm a Cats fan, so when we came up with the league back home, I suggested the name Wild Cats for our club and they agreed with me," he said.

Matshane is among six players from the Wild Cats in the South Africa Lions squad for the AFL International Cup, which started last weekend.

This is his fourth appearance in the multi-nation competition. On Sunday at Royal Park, he booted two goals and was among his team’s best players in a loss to Great Britain.

The lively forward's love for Geelong started when Bell Park Football Club stalwart Peter Burke organised a dinner for a South African under-18 team in 2008.

He's grateful for the continuing support from his host family, and Facebook enables him to keep tabs on the Cats and Bell Park in the Geelong Football League.

"I have my friend in Geelong who used to play with Bell Park. So, I always look forward to staying behind after the International Cup and catching up with everybody," he said.

Matshane won the Golden Boot award with 18 goals at the 2011 AFL International Cup and the former 100m and 200m runner is banking on his athletic attributes to get South Africa's scoreboard ticking over again.

"I can use my speed to kick goals. My strengths are my quickness and evasive skills. Pace is one of our team's strengths. We don't have a lot of height, but we have youth and speed," he said.

The Wild Cats play in the North West Province, with players drawn from three towns, and the club's headquarters is at Potchefstroom, a university city west of Johannesburg.

"You play four games in your province and then we all come together for the nationals in a carnival. Teams from Johannesburg now are winning most of the games," the 29-year-old forward said.

With teams in Cape Town and Durban, it's difficult and expensive to bring together all of South Africa's football teams.

Matshane worked with AFL South Africa in game development in his area to promote Australian football in schools and the community. And, while he has gone back to school to improve his qualifications, he's continuing his love affair with footy.

"I heard about it back in 2002 when I was in school. One of our coaches was developing a team and, fortunately, he was my teacher. I was a sprinter and I decided to give it a try and loved the game," he said.

"It's one game where you feel free. We're all learning, and coming to the AFL International Cup emphasises that it's a game for everyone. You can come and have a kick if you have love in the heart for it.

"With our game, we always encourage each other. If you miss a mark or a goal, there's no criticism, just encouragement to pick yourself up and keep going."

Matshane injured a hamstring against Tonga in the second game of the last International Cup three years ago, rested for one game and then broke down when he tried to come back, as South Africa lost to Ireland in the semi-finals.

This year’s men's division one grand final will be the curtain-raiser to the Collingwood-Geelong game at the MCG on August 19. Playing in that game would provide the perfect Saturday afternoon for Matshane.

"My favourite player is Joel Selwood, because he's very brave, and I loved Jimmy Bartel when he played," he said.