Mihlali Mayambela is confident of making the final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast in January 2024, but he is not taking anything for granted.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder addressed the media at FNB Stadium on Thursday ahead of their friendly international against Eswatini, and spoke openly about having to fight to get into the team.
“No, honestly, there is no guarantees. You have to show it. You have to do your job in order to earn the place. Everything lies on me to perform, in order to earn the place. Not just to expect to be there, but to fight to be there because there are unbelievable players who are in my position,” Mayambela said.
The 31-year-old only broke into the senior national team last year under coach Hugo Broos, and his aim has been to make sure that he never loses his place.
“For me, it’s a dream that came true. It’s been something that I was looking forward to and it’s something that kept me going, to see myself wearing this shirt. When it finally came, it came at the right time for me personally. I got welcomed when I got here and from the first day, I felt at home and I felt safe. I am part of a team that turned into a family and that’s really good. It’s been amazing and hopefully it will continue like this,” he said.
Mayambela is well aware of the fact that life can change at any point, so he will be working tirelessly to ensure he keeps his place in the team for AFCON. He is determined to fight for his place and prove that he deserves to be in the squad.
“I have to fight for that and compete. There’s no guarantees. I don’t know if I will be there or not, but I will try my best to fight for the place,” he concluded.
