Bafana captain is confident

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana will use their friendly international against Bulgaria at the Orlando Stadium on Monday night (8.30pm) as another stepping stone in getting battle ready for their opening Group A World Cup clash against Mexico on June 11.

That Is the view of national captain Aaron Mokoena who is in a buoyant mood since joining his Bafana teammates after playing for his English club Portsmouth in last Saturday’s FA Cup final against Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.

Despite playing a blinder, he could not prevent Chelsea winning the FA Cup 1-0, but said the experience would stand him in good stead for the forthcoming global soccer showpiece.

Speaking to the media on Saturday Mokoena said for him to play in the FA Cup final in front of a massive crowd (80 000) was a dress rehearsal for the World Cup finals.

"I was disappointed we lost the final, but it was a great experience which will stand me in good stead during the World Cup. It gave me a taste of playing against world class players in front of sellout crowds.”

Mokoena (29) is South Africa’s most experienced player with 97 caps, has also captained Bafana on 54 occasions – another record.

Mokoena said he was thrilled by that 4-0 win over Thailand. “That was a great result and shows the benefit of the three camps (Durban, Brazil and Germany).

"To me those camps by the coach Carlos Alberto Parreira have worked wonders and are bearing fruit. Now we need to keep the momentum going.”

He stressed, however, unity and teamwork would be the key and the players have adopted the one team, one country slogan from head coach Parreira.

“There are no overseas based or local based players in the camp, we are all Bafana players fighting to achieve the same goal and that is getting through a tough group where we have Mexico, Uruguay and France.

"But things are looking up. The mood in the camp since I arrived has been fantastic.”

Mokoena also lavished praise on two of his understudies, SuperSport United’s Bongani Khumalo, and Siyabonga Sangweni of Golden Arrows. The two young central defenders have been in top form during the last three months while Mokoena was playing in England.

“Both Bongani and Siyabonga are the future of Bafana. I have been watching their progress and I am proud of both of them.

"Our defensive future is in good hands with these two quality defenders who are sure to benefit from the World Cup.”

Khumalo said he was hoping to make the cut when Parreira trims his squad from 30 to 23 on June 1.

“Playing with players like Aaron will be a dream come true for me. However, even at training he makes his presence felt by helping me and other defenders.

"He is always willing to pass on information and help to the younger players in the squad. It is great having him back to lead the side.”

Both Sangweni and Khumalo are expected to survive Parreira’s axe and be part of the official World Cup squad.