Siphiwe
Tshabalala says “unity and hunger” were key driving factors behind Bafana
Bafana during the first round of the Africa Cup of Nations.
South
Africa are preparing themselves for the next stage of the competition, which
begins on Saturday when they play Mali in the quarterfinals at Moses Mabhida
Stadium in Durban.
“There's
so many things we do off the field, we're like a family," Tshabalala told
reporters on Wednesday.
“We
get along very well, we work very hard together, we complement one another and
everyone is just very supportive. So we're a team, a team that's united.
“This
is a team that's very determined, we're showing hunger, we're showing how badly
we want this and not just for us, but for the nation.”
The
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, who was expected to play a prominent part in the
first XI prior to the tournament, lost his place in Gordon Igesund's team after
the first match when Bafana Bafana delivered a lacklustre performance in a
goalless draw against Cape Verde Islands.
Fellow
Amakhosi midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Orlando Pirates defender Thabo
Matlaba were also dropped and have yet to receive starting berths again, along
with Kagisho Dikgacoi, although the Crystal Palace player missed the second
game through injury.
South
Africa defeated Angola 2-0 in their second match, followed by a 2-2 draw with
Morocco to seal top spot in Group A.
However,
Tshabalala was not concerned, insisting his chance would come again.
“It's
not about me, it's about the team,” he said.
“It's
about winning the Afcon and uniting the nation through sport.
“What
matters most is the way the team has been doing… we've created a team and
they've been doing well.
“I
believe that if I do get a chance, I'll also be grateful and do my best.”
The
hosts, who reached the knockout stages of the continental spectacle for the
first time in 11 years, face a daunting task against the Malians.
The
Eagles, as they are nicknamed, have a strong record at the finals, having
reached the semifinals five out of the seven times they have qualified,
including a third-place finish last time around.
But
Tshabalala was confident the hosts could overcome the west Africans.
"All
the teams that have qualified and are participating in this competition are
very strong," he said.
“The
game against Mali is going to be a tough one, especially because it is in the
knockout stages. They will definitely come prepared.
“But
we're also prepared and we'll just have to work very hard. The big thing that
motivates us is that the country believes in Bafana Bafana, they're right
behind the team.
“Our
short-term goal was to advance to the next stage, and now that we're here, our
focus is on winning the quarterfinal and reaching the semi-finals.”
