Club captain and Bafana Bafana no. 1 goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune revealed on Monday that the pride of the nation is at stake ahead of the Mandela Challenge encounter against African champions, Zambia.

The Soccer City Stadium has been confirmed as the host venue for the encounter to honour one of the greatest statesmen, Dr Rolihlahla Mandela.

The two sides met in the inaugural challenge match back in 1994 with current Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach, Doctor Khumalo scoring a winner in front of a packed Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg.

Khune fresh from inspiring Kaizer Chiefs to a 2-1 win against SuperSport United over the weekend told kaizerchiefs.com ; “It is important that we do all we can to beat Zambia on Wednesday. The game is not just a friendly but a massive game for the two power houses in Southern African region.

“The game is also part of the preparation for the African Cup of Nations to take place in South Africa in 2013. Most importantly the game is played to honour a truly great man, uTATA.

“Zambia has done well in the past 12 months or so and was rightfully crowned African Champions in January. We are expecting a tough game from them as they also have some of their players playing in South Africa. We will need to be on top of our game against them.

“It is important for us to continue where we left off when we played against Kenya last month. The spirit in the camp remains amazing and we all want to do well for the country. The pride of the nation is at stake.

The Ventersdorp born goalkeeper who has been solid for both Club and Country this season confirmed that he will be fit for the Zambia game despite injury concerns following a knock sustained on Saturday against SuperSport United.

“It is not a serious injury although it was painful. I should be available for selection on Wednesday,” added Khune.

‘Spider’ as Khune is affectionately known these days in football circles is joined in the Bafana Bafana squad by his Club teammates, Siboniso Gaxa, Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane, Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala and striker, Bernard ‘Hond’ Parker.