Bafana Bafana defender, Pa Gaxa has told kaizerchiefs.com that he and his teammates are still determined to reach the final despite a draw against Cape Verde in the opening fixture of the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday at the National Stadium.

Gaxa (now on 54 caps) who watched the proceedings from the bench on Saturday was honoured by SAFA on Monday for completing 50 caps.

Gaxa together with Club teammates, Itumeleng Khune (51 Caps) and Bernard Parker (50 caps) were presented with Bafana Bafana framed jerseys number 50 signed by all the players in the squad (Katlego Mphela and Kagisho Dickacoi also received the honours).

“I am honoured to have represented my country more than 50 times. I look around the world even some of the biggest stars in football have not reached a half century yet and some retired without reaching such a milestone. It is a big achievement,” said Gaxa who attributed his milestone to ‘hard work’.

Affectionately known in football circles as ‘Nesta’ after former AC Milan and the Azurri defender Allasandro Nesta, made his debut for the national team against Cape Verde, “I remember Coach, Stuart Baxter talking to me before the game. He told me to keep calm and do what I have been doing at club level.

“I remember lining alongside the likes of OJ Mabizela, Aaron Mokoena, Delron Buckley, Benni McCarthy, Arthur Zwane and others. We won the game 2-1 and I was voted Man of the Match. It was a proud moment for me.

“I do regard representing my country in the Confederations Cup and World Cup 2010 as the highlight of my Bafana Bafana career. I went on to earn my 50th cap against Mozambique in June last year and it was also a proud moment for me.

“I would like to thank each and every one from my former coaches in the junior teams to past and current team, for the contribution they have made in my development from humble beginnings not only as a player but as a human being."

Regarded as one of the best right backs post Sizwe Motaung era, Pa Gaxa believes Bafana Bafana can still go all the way not only to reach the final but to win the competition.

“We did not start on a high note but few teams can claim that as most teams have only secured a single point thus far. I think we can still reach the final and go on to win the competition. I would like to contribute to this with my experience."

“Long term I would like to be part of the team to play the qualifiers for the World Cup 2014 and if all goes well to be on that flight to Brazil for the World Cup,” added Gaxa.