Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has looked forward to playing in the Fifa World Cup™ his entire life, and his long awaited dream is days away from becoming a reality as Bafana Bafana kick off their 2010 Fifa World Cup campaign on Friday afternoon against Mexico.

When South Africa walk out onto the field at Soccer City, it is going to be the culmination of many years of hard work for him, as he explained to the media at Bafana's World Cup base camp in Johannesburg on Tuesday afternoon.

"I started playing football when I was eight years old," divulged Tshabalala and then went on to say, “I always dreamt of making it in soccer and always dreamt of playing for Kaizer Chiefs and I achieved that.”

He also spoke of the historical importance of the competition taking place on African soil and that he is fortunate to get the opportunity to take part in the competition. "It is great to take part in in the World Cup. It is history in the making.”

Siphiwe has been key to Bafana's recent sucesses and his combination in midfield with his club colleague, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, has seen South Africa dominate matches from the midfield.

Siphiwe spoke about having Letsholonyane playing in the midfield with him and said: "He is a good player and is doing well for the team. He is someone who works well with the ball and is someone who can join in attack and add a number in the box. He is also able to get back and help out in defense.

Should Siphiwe start the game against Mexico, it will also mark a very special milestone for him. "I can't wait to play in the game as it will be my 50th appearance for the country and I can't want to put in a good perofrmance because it will be a special day.”