Bafana Bafana midfielder Siyanda Msani says he will do everything in his power to help the national team successfully defend their Cosafa Cup title.

‘Marcelo’, as Msani is affectionately known, has played a crucial role for the University of Pretoria (AmaTuks) this past season and was ever present in the squad, having not missed a minute of football.

The 21-year-old made a total of 36 appearances in all competitions, playing all 30 GladAfrica Championship matches, all three Nedbank Cup games and all three PSL promotional/relegation playoff matches.

The Umlazi-born defender is no stranger to turning out in the SA national team set-ups, having previously earned two caps under coach Helman Mkhalele at the 2019 All Africa Games out in Morocco.

However, Msani is now looking to gain momentum on his club form at a national level as he prepares for his debut in the latest edition of the Cosafa Cup.

“The training at AmaTuks played a very important role for me to perform at a level that I did for them last season,” Msani told Safa.

“Credit must go to coach Maluleke, who really pushed our physical fitness as a team, which resulted in me not getting a single injury.

“My goal has always been to represent my nation on a senior level and I’m truly grateful to have been given this opportunity.

“I have worked with coach Helman Mkhalele before and I know what he wants and expects from his players. I’ve served under his leadership at the 2019 All Africa Games and, to be here, means that I’m doing something right in my growth as a professional footballer.

“I just need to continue building from those performances both here and at club level.

“This is my first Cosafa Cup tournament and my dream is to do everything in my power to help the national side defend the title,” Msani concluded.

Bafana Bafana will begin their Cosafa Cup title defence when they take on Mozambique in the quarter-finals at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 5pm.