Bafana Bafana will go into their second game against Mali in the Group A of the Chan 2014 as group table toppers. The game is scheduled for Wednesday, 15 January 2014 at Cape Town Stadium. Siphiwe Tshabalala, the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder demonstrated his experience when Bafana Bafana brushed aside Mozambique by 3 – 1 score line. ‘Shabba’ as he is affectionately known in the football circles created the third goal of the match when he put through Bernard Parker to finish late in the game.

Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Tuesday morning, ‘Shabba’ was optimistic about the Bafana Bafana chances ahead of their encounter against The Eagles of Mali taking place on Wednesday;

“It is going well and everything is running smooth here in camp. We are all looking forward to the game against Mali. The importance of winning our game against Mali cannot be overstated. If we win this one, our chances of advancing to the next round will be enhanced. It is going to be a tough one but we will do our best to win. They have big and very strong players but our strength is playing the ball and keeping possession. Our movement on and off the ball is strong,” commented a confident ‘Shabba’.

“Recovering from conceding an early goal against the Mambas showed our character as a team. There are no easy games in this tournament. From the games played so far everyone can attest to the fact that Chan is competitive. We did not fire from all cylinders at the start of the Mozambique game but we recovered later in the game to show our quality. I think we will improve and start better against Mali,” said Shabba.

If ‘Shabba’ plays against The Eagles on Wednesday, he will reach 87th cap mark, closing on steadily to reach a century of Caps in the Bafana Bafana jersey;

“The Team comes first before individual glory. I am glad to reach my personal goals but the main thing for me is to make a contribution. I strive to contribute to the success of the Team. I want to make a difference every time I step on the field. As you have seen I am working hard on the field to contribute offensively and when we defend. I am not looking at the record books that much, I focus on my game. I know when I focus on the game, Caps will come naturally,” commented a modest ‘Shabba’.

On 86 Caps, Shabba’s experience was visible during the Mozambique game;

“When we were a goal down, I knew that panic might creep in the Team. I knew we were going to bounce back. We made them feel confident and that gave them confidence. When they thought they were in control we pounced and took over the control of the proceedings,” ‘Shabba was speaking before Bafana Bafana training in Cape Town.