 Bafana Bafana midfielder Teko Modise believes the national team has what it takes to return victorious from Niamey, Niger.
South Africa will lock horns with that country in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier that will be played on Sunday, 4 September 2011 at the General Seyni Kountche Stadium in Niamey, Niger.
Modise returns to the Bafana Bafana set-up after an absence of almost a year. He last played for his country in the 2012 Afcon qualifier against Sierra Leone in Freetown.
“I am really excited to be back in the squad as I have been working very hard on my game at club level. The call-up though, came as a shock because I did not expect it to come so soon. Whether I play or not on Sunday is another matter, but I am just happy to be part of the national team again. I have also seen a lot of improvement in the squad and I believe we have players capable of winning things. It’s a different feeling and I see everyone wants to play for Bafana Bafana which is a good sign and should help in getting the required results. It’s a big change since the last time I was here, we have quality players, the whole squad is full of confidence and that along gives us a chance to do well in Niamey,” said Modise.
The midfielder is one of the most experienced players in the current squad with 58 caps to his name. He has been sharing his experiences with the younger players in the team like Eric Mathoho, Oupa Manyisa, Thulani Serero and Daylon Claasen. Modise is confident that Bafana Bafana can return with positive results in Niamey.
“This is by far the toughest game for us as we will be playing away. But we will need to fight to get what we want. The good thing is that we know what is at stake, we know what we are up against, we know what we want and we know how to get it. We have been in this situation before when we went to Sierra Leone and Egypt where we managed to come back with points, so I am confident we can do the same,” added the midfielder.
This is the second time that Manyisa has been called into the squad and hasn’t donned the national team colours, but he is hopeful of a getting his first cap very soon.
“Every player wants to play for their country, but I am not in a hurry because I know I will get my chance. I have been doing well at club level but I don’t think I am under pressure to get a run, my time will come and when it does I will just do my best,” said Manyisa.
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