“It is always an honour to play for my country,” says Itumeleng Khune, before adding a few words about South African national team coach Shakes Mashaba who again named him as the skipper: “To be captain means a lot. On the other hand, I am just the one wearing the armband. We have many leaders in the team, working towards a common goal, which is to see Bafana Bafana succeed.”

South Africa plays tonight against Mauritania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

“I can only proclaim my gratitude to the Almighty for allowing me to showcase my talent,” adds Khune, while pointing to the sky in his trademark gesture to celebrate his side scoring a goal.

“Mauritania is a very hot and humid place,” Khune explains the conditions the players will have to face in Saturday’s nights host country. “It is a good thing we only came here for a short period. I am sure that we will be able to cope with the circumstances.”

Going for his 71st cap, the upbeat goalkeeper confirms Bafana’s readiness: “Oh yes, we are more than ready. We are well aware we did not do well in the opening match of the Afcon qualifiers against Gambia in June, so this is a chance for us to rectify this. We want to collect the three points so we can take control of the group.”

“The vibe is great in the team,” Khune continues. “Most of the players here have been together for a long time, with one or two that are new in the set-up. We have a talented bunch of players that will see us go far.”

About Mauritania’s Olympic Stadium, he says: “The stadium is nice and compact with a good pitch. This field will help us to play our brand of passing football.”

Bafana held their final training session with some fans watching from the stands. “It shows that there is a lot of interest in the match,” concludes the goalkeeper.

Khune’s Kaizer Chiefs teammate Erick Mathoho is also it in the starting line-up. The defender is chasing his 21st cap.

The clash between Bafana and Mauritania will kick off at 17:00 local time, which is 19:00 in South Africa. The match will be broadcasted live on Sabc 1 and SS4.

South Africa’s starting line-up: Khune (c), Ngcongca, Zulu, Coetzee, Mathoho, Furman, Jali, Serero, Masango, Gabuza, Rantie

Substitutes: Mabokgwane, Mashaba, Daniels, Makola, Patosi, Vilakazi, Zungu