Pretoria - Sport and Recreation Minister, Fikile Mbalula paid Bafana Bafana a surprise visit at their base camp in Rustenburg on Tuesday to wish them good luck on their friendly match against Kenya tonight.
Kick-off of the international friendly match against the West African team at the Royal Bafokeng stadium is 8:35pm. The match will be used as a preparatory match for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations against Egypt next month.
Speaking to the players, Mbalula said: "I am here just to wish you guys well when you play Kenya tomorrow night, and I am looking forward to a very good match.
"I remember very well that in your last match against the USA in Cape Town you should have won, but I am almost certain that we have learnt a lot from that encounter and against Kenya we will come out tops. I just hope South Africans will come in their numbers to support you. I wish you all of the best."
Bafana vice captain Steven Pienaar, is hopeful for victory, which will put the team in the right frame of mind against Egypt next month.
"We know the importance of the game against Egypt that is why it is key that we do well against Kenya as this is the only preparation we have before we face Egypt.
"We can't afford to make mistakes tonight, but have to ensure that we rectify them when we play the North Africans, so tonight's game is very crucial to us.
"Many people are expecting us to win easily and this makes it a difficult match against Kenya as they will come here with nothing to lose. Every game we play we want to win, no matter the opposition, and we should take this mentality into every match," he said.
His words were echoed by defender and teammate at Tottenham Hotspur, Bongani Khumalo.
"To some people this is just a friendly match, but for us in the team it's more than that. It's a big game for us and we need to make the best out of it by getting positive results.
"We have done well by climbing high on the FIFA/Coca Cola World Rankings, so a good result will help that trend continue. Also we are preparing for Egypt so there is no motivation needed for any of the guys, we all want to be part of that squad against the reigning African champions," he said.
With Bafana's regular left back, Tsepo Masilela out of the team, Ruben Cloete of Orlando Pirates will be hoping for a run against Kenya, but he is aware there is strong competition for the position.
Sifiso Myeni is the only newcomer in the squad, but will not let that distract him.
"My first day in camp was a very good one, with all the players welcoming me. It's really great to be here and to be frank I did not expect to be included; this was just a big surprise for me.
"I can see there is strong competition in the team and most of the guys are established, but if I get a chance to play I will certainly do my best, and if I don't I can only hope there will be more call-ups in future," he said.
