Johannesburg - Goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs is ready to knuckle down and work for his place in the Bafana Bafana squad, according to coach Gordon Igesund.

The Orlando Pirates shot-stopper announced his retirement from international football some months ago after becoming disillusioned with playing second fiddle to Itumeleng Khune while Pitso Mosimane was at the helm.

However, with former Moroka Swallows coach Igesund behind the reins, Josephs feels he has more of a chance of toppling the Kaizer Chiefs keeper from the number one spot.

The national team tactician insists he had nothing to do with convincing Josephs to come out of his short-lived international exile, but is nevertheless delighted by the player's new found ambition.

"(Josephs) said he would like to compete for a place in the national team, and I'm very happy about that," Igesund told The Sowetan.

"Moeneeb has since written a letter to SAFA withdrawing his retirement.

"I never asked him to come back, I just wanted to know why he retired."

Josephs and the rest of the Bafana squad will begin their preparations for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with a friendly match against Brazil in Sao Paulo next weekend, followed by a clash against Mozambique four days later.