Cape Town - Itumeleng Khune believes that Bafana Bafana should sponge all the pressure when they face Gambia in their AFCON 2017 qualifier.
Khune is the most experienced player in the current squad with 66 caps to his name and says the national team is under pressure to do well, but they have to deal with that pressure.
“Pressure is always there for us footballers,” Khune told safa.net.
“When you walk in the streets people always remind us of what we have done in the past and what you have to do in the future – the big challenge is how you handle the pressure that comes, so we have to take it one game at a time.
“This Saturday we have to make sure that we apply ourselves and give our best for the country,” he said.
Khune, who opted not to extend his Kaizer Chiefs stay, admits that Bafana will need to start well in order to get a positive result.
“Our culture is winning every game, even in international friendlies we strive to win, we give our all.
“Playing at home means we have the support so it is crucial that we start on a positive note with a convincing win.
“We know what lies ahead of us. We just need to start well and I believe the team is ready,” said Khune.
Kick-off is at 15:00.