Pretoria - Bafana Bafana veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe is hopeful that the team will collect the much needed maximum points for their upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Botswana.
"We are playing at home in the first match, the second we are away, so we have to fight for all six points in both matches. It is important that we start with a win," said Nomvethe.
After a great season in the Absa Premiership, where he finished as top goal scorer, the striker is well aware of the expectations from everyone for him to deliver in a Bafana Bafana jersey.
"Football is all about teamwork, so I will not put pressure on myself. I will do my best to help the team do well, but everyone has to come on board. I just have to continue working as hard as I have been doing and things will work out well," he said at the team's base camp Rustenburg.
Nomvethe returns to the national team after a long absence - he was last involved in the team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. His return in the national team has been hailed by Bafana vice skipper Siphiwe Tshabalala.
"No doubt he had a great season and we are happy he is back. We all know with his experience, he will add value to the squad.
"As for the upcoming matches, the expectations are high and we have to win at all costs. The unity that prevails in the team is important and with it we are able to build something going into the matches," he said.
Meanwhile, there are 22 players in camp following the arrival of the team's skipper Steven Pienaar and striker Lehlohonolo Majoro late on Tuesday.
Majoro has been brought in as a precautionary measure in the event that Eleazar Rodgers of Santos will not be able to join the Bafana camp as he is helping his team in the promotional play-offs.
In the first match, South Africa will take on Ethiopia on Sunday, 3 June, at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng, near Rustenburg. Kick-off is at 3pm.
A week later Bafana will face neighbours Botswana in Gaborone on Saturday, 9 June at the University of Botswana Stadium. Kick-off is also at 3pm.
May Mahlangu is expected to join his teammates at the camp today, Thursday. South Africa will also face Gabon in an international friendly match on Friday, 15 June.
