Confederations Cup
Masilela ready to return
2009-06-08 09:36
Email | Print
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana defender Tsepo Masilela is confident he will be fit and ready for action when the Fifa Confederations Cup kicks off in South Africa on Sunday.
Masilela has been struggling with a knee injury since his return from Israel and missed Bafana’s international friendly against Poland at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking on Sunday, the former Benoni Premier United defender says he has fully recovered from his injury and is ready to fight for his leftback position that was occupied by Orlando Pirates defender Innocent Mdledle in the match against Poland.
“I took part in full time training on Friday, but I think the coaches wanted to give me more time to rest and not risk me against Poland.
“Also, besides that Innocent Mdledle, has always been doing well at training and deserved his chance to play on Saturday. Now that I have fully recovered, it’s my chance to work hard and ensure that I stay in contention for starting line up in our next match against Iraq on June 14.”
Unlike some of his teammates in Bafana Bafana who intend to market themselves during the Confederations Cup and win lucrative contracts overseas, Masilela is only thinking about helping South Africa to do well during the tournament.
“I am not thinking about winning any big contract overseas but rather helping my country to do well in this competition.
“There is lot of work lying ahead of me; firstly to break into starting line-up as there is tough competition for places in the first eleven and the second is to do well and make my country proud once I get onto the pitch.”
After enjoying success with Maccabi Haifa, Masilela is hoping for further achievements when he returns for a second spell in Israel next season.
“Winning the League and also qualifying for Cup Final sums up my season in Israel. I enjoyed my stay at the club and am looking forward for more success next season.”