Tshabalala is all fired up

Johannesburg - New Bafana Bafana hero Siphiwe Tshabalala has a big appetite and is hungry and fired up to score more goals during the World Cup.

Tshabalala was named Man of the Match after his wonder goal helped South Africa to a well deserved 1-1 draw against 17th world ranked Mexico in the emotion charged opening World Cup Group A clash at Soccer City last Friday.

The Kaizer Chiefs midfield magician said after Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira had put the players through their paces at their training base at Sturrock Park on Sunday that he was determined to score more goals during the month long tournament.

"It was a special day for me. The fact that I won my 50th cap for my country, scored the first goal at the World Cup in South Africa, and helped my team in getting that point against Mexico, all made it the highlight of my career," Tshabalala said.

"I felt like crying I was so happy, but then decided it was better to celebrate with my teammates."

His secret, he says, is all about confidence.

"My form and game has improved since the coach (Parreira) took me under his wing during the three training camps this year," he said.

"I really benefitted because my fitness has never been higher, and neither has my confidence or self belief."

However, the classy left winger is not getting carried away. He admitted on Sunday that he had received no offers from overseas clubs after he scored his spectacular goal, which will go down as one of the best of the World Cup.

"I am not even thinking about my future. I am enjoying every moment of playing at the World Cup and want to make the most of every opportunity I get."

Tshabalala said the second World Cup outing against the 16th best side in the world, Uruguay, was a must win encounter for Bafana on Wednesday.

"Uruguay and France, the other sides in our group, drew 0-0 in their opener and now there is everything to play for," he said.

"A win against Uruguay will virtually seal our passage into the second round. We are going all out to secure that win and make the nation proud."

Tshabalala, one of the most popular stars in the side, thanked the supporters.

"The nation has been behind us all the way and we need to replay them by getting through to the second round," he said.

"The draw against Mexico was just the start and we need to continue where we left off in the second half against Mexico, and Uruguay will be in trouble.

"They can expect a tough 90 minutes from us. We will run at them and keep them under pressure."