Itumeleng Khune says Bafana Bafana will not be taking Guinea-Bissau lightly as they prepare to face them in an international friendly match at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

‘We cannot afford to take Guinea-Bissau for granted. We have to give them the respect they deserve, but we also have to show them that they are on our turf. We have to show the hunger and desire to win the match. We believe we will do well,’ said Khune.

Despite being the most capped player in the squad, the Kaizer Chiefs skipper is also excited about part of the new-look squad.

‘I have been part of exciting squads before, we have had South Africans complaining about the selection of players, but when this one was announced, everyone was happy and positive about it – it even gave me goosebumps that I am part of this squad that everyone believes in, and I am really honoured to be here,’ added Khune.

‘We have great players who are in the form of their lives and this will take us to greater heights. So we just have to gel together. Being the captain of the team, I don’t have to relax and say I will walk into the team, in fact maybe I have to work ten times harder than the other players to show that we mean business and I deserve to be in the team.”

Khune says he is also honoured to have been selected as the captain for the two upcoming matches.

‘I would like to thank the coach and technical team for giving me the opportunity to lead the team, it’s a great honour once again. We have a very good team, an exciting squad and the players are very happy to be here.

‘But we know what is expected of us, we need to continue from where we left off in the last match. I am happy that we haven’t lost a match in our last ten games, and every player that is here know their responsibilities and also knows that we have to continue winning matches.

‘The good thing also is that I have a great supporting team of captains – Thulani Hlatshwayo, Dean Furman and Hlompho Kekana, all captains in their teams – and it shows that the coach has great belief in our leadership qualities.

‘We have to work harder to take Bafana Bafana to greater heights. I have enjoyed being captain before, and I still do. We have great players and a great team. Being a captain you have to lead from the front, lead by example and be on top of your game in every match you play, not only on the field, but all off it.’

Kick-off on Saturday is at 15:00.

Bafana Bafana’s next match is against Angola at Buffalo City Stadium in East London on Tuesday, 28 March (19:00).