Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has backed the new generation of Bafana Bafana players to qualify for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations, but has urged the public to be patient with a squad currently in the early stages of a rebuilding phase.
Bafana are on four points in Group A after an impressive 3-0 win away from home against Sudan and a goalless draw with reigning African champions Nigeria in Cape Town on Wednesday.
It’s a start that has impressed Tshabalala, who believes Bafana can build on their credible performances and qualify for the Cup of Nations for the first time since 2008.
“Most of the players were debutants. They have never played at that level and they did very well. It will take time, though, so we have to be patient with the coach (Shakes Mashaba) and the players. We must support them,” Tshabalala said yesterday.
“We can qualify, but it won’t be easy. I am happy with how the team has played in their first two games. We have played well, especially in the first game against Sudan. Getting three points away from home is a huge plus for us. It’s one game at a time. I trust that whoever is chosen will show patriotism and wear the jersey with pride.”
Tshabalala has not given up on reaching 100 caps for Bafana Bafana, the player needing just 12 more games to become the second South African to reach the milestone after defender Aaron Mokoena, who has played 107 times for the country. But Tshabalala turns 30 later this month and has less chances of playing for the national team as Mashaba looks to build a team for the future.
“The thought of retiring from the national team has not crossed my mind yet. I am 30 this year and I need to keep working and hopefully I will get a chance. Reaching 100 caps would be a huge milestone. But for now I should just focus on getting the next call-up. The next call-up could lead to another call-up. I need to keep working hard.
“Everyone wants to play. Sadly we cannot all play. I am grateful I was once a nobody and I got the chance to represent my country,” he said.
The former Free State Stars player returned from injury recently, but has found it difficult to get back into the starting line-up at Chiefs, with the likes of George Maluleka and Mandla Masango finding good form. “It’s good to be back. It has been very hard being injured. But when one gets injured, it’s an opportunity for others to step in and do the job.
“It won’t be easy to get into the team.
“We need to work hard and give the coach (Stuart Baxter) a good headache. If we keep going this way, I think we will have a great season.” - The Star