Soccer
Tshabalala a confident man
2009-03-24 18:44
Siphiwe Tshabalala (File)
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Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana star left wing Siphiwe Tshabalala is putting his country before his personal career.
Speaking after training with the national team at the Milpark Stadium on Monday afternoon in preparation for two upcoming friendly games, the Chiefs flyer said that plans for him to play overseas had been shelved until after Bafana had completed their upcoming friendly matches against Norway on Saturday and Portugal next Tuesday.
The Chiefs ace said: "There is talk of me playing overseas at some stage but that is the furthest thing from my mind at present. My only focus this week is helping Bafana win both friendly matches against Norway and Portugal.
Bafana host the Scandinavians in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturday and meet Portugal in Switzerland next Tuesday night.
Tshabalala was part of the side was thumped 2-0 by Chile in Polokwane last month and said that the players had learn a lot from that defeat.
Tshabalala said: We expect Norway to be a physical side. We got a wake up call by Chile. Our aim is to do to Norway what Chile did to us. Although the Chile game is behind us we are determined not to let that happen again. It is vital we do well in both games this coming week as it will be out final chance to prepare for the Confederations Cup in June. We all want to play in that tournament so expect us to come out firing on Saturday.
Tshabalala said he would play his normal game despite the fact overseas scouts are looking him over. He said: I am not going to put myself under extra pressure I will go out as usual and do my best. Meanwhile Belgium based defensive midfielder Masilo Madubi who is on loan to Westerlo from English giants Chelsea could get his break against Norway now that Golden Arrows captain and midfield anchorman Kagisho Dikgacoi is injured.
Madubi said : "I am happy to be back in the side and if I get a chance I will not let the team down."
He added that Norway should be a good test for Bafana but said he was in the dark as to what to expect from them. "I have never seen than play but they are rated highly in Europe and will be tough opponents."