Former Bafana Bafana star Siphiwe Tshabalala has wished the Bafana Bafana squad the best of luck as they prepare to defend their COSAFA Cup title in Durban.
Bafana, who have picked an U23 squad, and will be coached by Bafana assistant Helman Mkhalele, kick-off their campaign in the quarter-finals when they take on Mozambique.
Speaking to the team before they head to Durban, Tshabalala said they must go out there and wear the jersey with pride and defend the cup South Africa won last year.
“It’s every footballers’ dream to represent their country,” Shabba said via SAFA media.
“So you must count yourself very blessed to represent South Africa, I’m sure many players would want to be where you are now. So use this opportunity to your best of your ability.
“You’re not only representing yourself, when you were in the national team jersey, and you’re defending the national team, so you’re representing South Africa. So you are the ambassadors of South Africa.
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“I hope you realise that, and you don’t take it for granted. And wishing all the best, not only for this tournament, as well as beyond the qualifiers. There’s other games as well.”
Shabba also insisted that each player must remain humble and do the home work at their club, before rallying the group to do their best to defend the COSAFA trophy.
“But most importantly, in order for you to play well, for the national team, you must do well for your respective clubs,” he added.
“You must remain disciplined, work hard, and be humble all the time. It is possible, anyone and everyone can make it. But it’s all up here, the mindset.
“So always believe in yourself, know that you matter, you value, you must always know that you value yourself, irrespective of where you come from, which team you play for. When you are here, you’re equal. So you must do your best all the time, and you’re the defending champions.
“Here’s another opportunity as well to defend this trophy. It’s not a small trophy. Each and every game that you play for the national team. It’s an important game. There is no friendly game, every game counts. So we rely on you guys to bring the results.
“We are fully behind you and all the best and wishing you a great season in your respective clubs. If you do well and your teams are doing well, the national team will do well.”
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