Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana sensational midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala is confident that Bafana's midfielders will raise the tempo during the upcoming World Cup.
Speaking at the team's hotel in Sandton on Thursday, the 25-year old star said: "(As much as) we need to go out as a team and do our best, I strongly believe that as midfielders it is also our duty to score more goals for the team."
During Bafana's warm up matches against local Brazilian teams earlier this year, Tshabalala was a marvel to watch and scored more than three goals for his goal-shy team.
"I know that most Bafana supporters were excited with my performance in Brazil, so in that regard I know that I set myself a standard which I must sustain.
"The team's supporters should expect to see more of my skills during the World Cup, but only if I can make it to the final line-up," he said.
Tshabalala, whose performance on the field lately can be rated with the Brazilian star, Robinho, said the team will start scoring more goals on Sunday when they lock horns against little known Thailand at Mbombela Stadium.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana strapping defender, Siboniso Gaxa said his main focus was representing the country during the soccer spectacular, adding that if he got selected to play overseas, it would be great.
"If I manage to impress one of the European teams, it will be great news for me, but all I am thinking about is to offer my reliable solid defending skills to the national team," he said.
The no nonsense Bafana Bafana defender who is not afraid to stick in a tackle said they were determined to win the match against Thailand on Sunday.
"This is going to be a tough encounter for us ... because we are expected to start playing as a team ... taking no prisoners at the back as well as scoring more goals.
"The World Cup is just around the corner and we have to use these friendly matches to show that we have shaped up for the tournament," he said.
The unluckiest goalkeeper in the German Bundesliga, Rowen Fernandez of Arminia Bielefeld said should he get a chance against Thailand, he would use the opportunity to impress Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Parreira has since indicated that he will go to the show piece with three goalkeepers. Presently there are four goal keepers at the camp who are Itumeleng Khune, Moneeb Josephs, Shu-Aib Walters and Fernandez.
However, chances are slim for Fernandez who has just come back from an injury. He only played once for his team and after coming in as a substitute.
"I've recovered from my injury and I've been declared medically fit by the national team's Doctor. The only thing left is for me to regain my match fitness and I'm looking forward to being on the final squad," he said.
