Amakhosi midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala commented to the media on Wednesday that having not featured at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations since the opening game against Cape Verde has not brought him down and he is ready when needed to play his part in the remainder of the tournament with South Africa potentially having three more games to go in the tournament.

Shabba was candid and honest as he reiterated that his only interest was in South Africa’s success; “it is not about me, but the team winning the tournament and uniting the nation through sport. Obviously if I get a chance again I will be grateful and will take it. I will do my best to help the team achieve its objectives.”

The winger who has played 74 games for South Africa and is also Chiefs most capped Bafana Bafana player, was unwavering in his commitment to the team’s course regardless of who is in the starting XI.

Featuring in his third Africa Cup of Nations, Shabba added; “There are no hard feelings between the players who play and those who don’t. We get along very well and complement each other. That is what has made us tick. We do so many things together on and off the field and we are like a family. Everyone is determined and showing hunger, which shows how bad we want this tournament, not for us as players but for the nation.”