Shabba honoured by Bafana recall

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala is hoping that his 'knowledge and experience' can help Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Amakhosi veteran has been in outstanding club form and was handed a recall to the national team by coach Stuart Baxter after having earned the last of his 88 caps back in 2014.

Tshabalala says he had never given up on getting back into the national team fold and now that he's there, he hopes to be a positive influence on the team as Bafana get set for two crucial qualifying games, home and away against Senegal.

"I'm very happy with the call-up. It's an honour to be back in the national team and it’s not about just going there to add numbers but to go there and add value," he was quoted saying by KickOff.

"I trust that the knowledge and experience that I have over a number of years will help the team qualify.

"I have said it before that I still want to play for the national team and I will continue working hard. And if I do well at Kaizer Chiefs that will enhance my chances of going back to the national team. So, for now, I'm just happy that I finally got the call-up.

"I have been working hard, I continued to believe in myself," he added. "The key is consistency. I do what I love and I love football. Playing soccer is also not only about the individual, the team must come first. I hope that my experience as a player can help South Africa qualify for the World Cup in Russia," he added.

The first match against Senegal, at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, takes place on Friday November 10, with the away fixture four days later in Dakar.

Bafana Bafana are bottom of Group D with four points - four adrift of log leaders Senegal with both sides having two matches remaining.

Burkina Faso and the Cape Verde Islands are tied on six points - both with one game remaining.

Kick off is at 19:00.