Shabba On Bafana: I Want To Make A Real Contribution

Kaizer Chiefs’ Siphiwe Tshabalala has spoken about his excitement regarding his Bafana Bafana call-up after four years, saying that he doesn’t just want to be there to add to the numbers.

Bafana head coach, Stuart Baxter announced his official 25-man squad yesterday, October 26, as he looks forward to starting preparations for the country’s two upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounters against Senegal next month, November.

The Englishman made minor changes to his squad that recorded a 3-1 win over Burkina Faso earlier this month, however, Tshabalala was the noticeable new inclusion.

The player’s last call-up for the national team in a competitive match was in September 2013, where the country recorded a 4-1 win over Botswana in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter.

Speaking to Chiefs’ official website, the 33-year-old revealed that he would like to make a contribution to the national team, as South Africa look to book their spot in the FIFA World Cup set to take place in Russia next year.

“It’s a great feeling to be called up again. It’s an honour to be back in the national team. I want to make a real contribution, as I don’t want to be there just to add numbers. I have been working hard,” Tshabalala said.
“I continued to believe in myself. The key is consistency. I do what I love and I love football. Playing soccer is also not only about the individual, the team must come first. I hope that my experience as a player can help South Africa qualify for the World Cup in Russia. I am very positive that we still stand an excellent chance,” he added.

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