Bafana Bafana arrived in Durban on Monday for their international friendly match against Senegal.
The clash will take place on Wednesday, February 29 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick-off is at 8.35pm.
The squad was welcomed by Durban mayor James Nxumalo at the King Shaka International Airport amid traditional music from a band.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane said: “It was a great gesture by the mayor himself to be there personally to welcome the team. We really feel honoured.”
Twenty players have already reported for national team duty, including the overseas-based contingent of captain Steven Pienaar, Bongani Khumalo, Kagisho Dikgaco, Thulani Serero, May Mahlangu, and Tsepo Masilela.
Team doctor Carl Tabane assessed Masilela and declared him fit to continue with the camp, but he will be under medical observation as he has just returned from a hamstring injury layoff.
“It's a good sign when we have so many players before our first training session. This helps a lot because there is not enough time in any case to prepare, so every minute counts,” said Mosimane.
“There is a lot of pressure on the team to win, so this is that time when I will take a win no matter how it comes. We need a win more than good play, but that does not mean I will abandon my style of play, but we have to win.”
Pienaar echoed his sentiments.
“I am happy to be back. It's always good to play for the national team and I am looking forward to facing Senegal on Wednesday. This is a very important match for us as it's the last one before the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and we are also using it to prepare for 2013 Afcon,” Pienaar said.
“We want to start winning games so we can boost the confidence of the nation and ourselves as well, and we believe this is the match to start changing all that.” – Sapa