Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane included three Kaizer Chiefs players in his twenty four man squad who assemble on Wednesday to prepare for South Africa’s Group G 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt on March 26, which will be played at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

Making the announcement on Tuesday Mosimane mentioned Amakhosi winger Siphiwe Tshabalala amongst a group of players who he sees are key to Bafana Bafana’s success over the seven times African Champions.

Shabba speaking to Kaizerchiefs.com shortly after the squad was announced said that it pleases him to know that the coach sees him as one of the ‘senior players’ in the national team set up.

“To hear that the coach lists me amongst the experienced players is great motivation for me and it gives me added encouragement, especially given the magnitude of this game. In 2011 in terms of importance this one of our biggest games, and to get the nod from the coach is a boost for me.

Not so long ago I was the youngster in the team and now I am glad to assist in using my experiences from the past couple of years to help the country.”

Taking on the Egyptians is a challenge that Shabba is looking forward to and he believes having played against them before has put him in advantageous position ahead of the game, “I have played against Egypt twice once in Cairo and once in London we defeated them in Cairo but lost in London.

They the best team in the continent and you do not need any further incentive when you play against them. It is always tough playing them and we do not expect an easy game.”

According to Shabba Egypt’s recent popular uprising which has seen the country usher in a new era of democratic rule will be a further boost to the Pharos which will add spice to the encounter, “they will come out guns blazing and on the back of the popular uprising in their country recently they will want to ring in the changes with a win.

They will be looking to keep up the good spirit in their country so it will just make the game more challenging.”

Mosimane also included Amakhosi midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the squad which will assemble on Wednesday evening in Johannesburg, Mosimane has also omitted captain Aaron Mokoena from the squad.

South Africa currently lead their Group after two games having won one and drawn one match while Egypt are bottom of the log with a point having drawn with Sierra Leone and lost to Niger.