Two new faces, from Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, have opened up about being part of Hugo Broos' squad for Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup qualifying journey.
Both Kamogelo Sebelebele and Mduduzi Shabalala are no strangers to representing the country, be it at junior level or in the senior team at the Cosafa Cup. Being in Hugo Broos' squad, though, is a whole different level, and it's a new experience that they are currently soaking in.
READ: Stadium Concerns For Bafana Bafana Coach
It's a bigger responsibility, and it's one they need to be ready for, especially with World Cup qualification up for grabs. They got to face the media for the first time at Dobsonville Stadium on Monday afternoon, and you could tell that there were some nerves as they addressed questions in a soft-spoken nature.
Both players, though, prefer to do their talking on the pitch and, looking at how they have started the season at Pirates and Chiefs, they do have a good chance of making a valuable contribution in the qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
Barely two months after joining Pirates from TS Galaxy, Sebelebele's life has changed completely. He is one of the most talked about players at the moment due to his electrifying start at Pirates, and his national team call-up also means there will be more attention on him. He is, however, not fazed by all of it.
"I am happy and excited to be here, to be given an opportunity to represent the country, and I am looking forward to helping the country qualify for the World Cup. My life has changed a lot because the support I am getting builds my confidence, and I am ready to show people what I have. When you play for so-called small teams. Now I am playing for Pirates and people can see what I have," the in-form Sebelebele told media on Monday.
READ: Mbule Gets Late Bafana Bafana Call-Up
Shabalala, who was part of the Cosafa Cup squad a few months ago, stressed the importance of working hard to remain part of the national team going forward. And with the Africa Cup of Nations coming at the end of the year, competition for places will be even harder.
"It's a big opportunity for us and in our careers. It's everyone's dream to play for the country, and I think we are also here to help the team win games and qualify for the World Cup. We are happy to be here."
"The next step is to work hard and retain my position in this team. It's not easy (because) there are players who have more experience. We need to play our part, so that we can be here in the next games."
