Kaizer Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana wants his Bafana Bafana teammates to prove they deserve the national team call-up.

The South African national team will take on Group A winners Madagascar in the Cosafa Cup quarter-final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

Speaking from the Bafana camp in Polokwane, Ngezana believes the Cosafa Cup will give his side the opportunity to showcase their individual talent while proving their worth on a national level.

‘We want to prove to the nation that we deserve the call-up,’ Ngezana told his club’s official website.

‘To be able to conquer Africa, we have to start with winning the Cosafa Cup. This is also a chance for us to showcase our individual talents.’

The Amakhosi defender says he is relishing the chance to make his first appearance for the senior national team, having previously missed out on the opportunity due to exams.

‘This is a different level. It is a mature stage of the game. What’s great is that [coach Stuart] Baxter gives you a chance to express yourself and he challenges your own views as well,’ he added.

‘The coach watched Madagascar play. We will be doing our best to produce what we practised at training. We feel positive to reach the next stage. It is not going to be easy because all the teams came here to win, but as the host nation we should be the team to beat.’

The match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium kicks off at 3pm.