CHERRIES star Benik Afobe confirmed he had yet to apply for clearance to represent DR Congo, contrary to reports elsewhere.

Afobe, who holds dual nationality with England, accepted an invitation to join a training camp with Congo during the international break.

A report on BBC online, published on March 20, said the striker had been “included in a 27-man final squad” for Congo’s Africa Cup of Nations two qualifiers against Angola.

The article stated Afobe had “yet to receive official clearance from FIFA to play for the country of his parents”.

However, neither AFC Bournemouth officials nor the FA in England had been aware Afobe had applied to switch nationality – with the player himself confirming he had not.

In an interview published today on The Afobe Foundation website, the striker said: “For this international break, it was about meeting the team, understanding African football and really learning the culture properly before making an informed decision on whether I want to play for England or Congo as I am of dual nationality. The Leopards players have been such a laugh and always have lots of crazy stories to tell.”

Shortly after turning professional in 2007, Afobe set up the foundation, which is based in the capital Kinshasa and helps young people who have lost their own parents or guardians rebuild their lives.

Afobe visited the foundation and said: “After four days of intense training in 35 degree weather, I was lucky enough to visit the orphans in our care and shared out some gifts.

“The smile on their faces when they receive the smallest of things is so heart-warming and really puts things into perspective”.