Sinoxolo Kwayiba feels his Cosafa Cup experience for South Africa has prepared him well for his senior Bafana debut. Photo: BackpagePix
Chippa United midfielder Sinoxolo Kwayiba’s meteoric rise in the domestic game continues to take an upward trajectory after receiving his maiden selection in the Bafana Bafana squad.
The 24-year-old midfielder is one of two players (alongside Bathusi Aubaas) to receive late call-ups to head coach Hugo Broos’ team after forming part of the preliminary group for tomorrow’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Republic of the Congo (Congo Brazzaville) at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha (7pm kick-off).
The Motherwell-born man replaced Stellenbosch FC star Jayden Adams, who was removed because of disciplinary issues, while Aubaas takes the place of the injured Thalente Mbatha.
Bafana will battle Congo Brazzaville in an Afcon qualifier double-header over the next seven days, where they will look to take control of Group K, where they are currently second on goal difference to Uganda, with both teams on four points.
Congo are third on three, and South Sudan have yet to claim a point after two matches.
Kwayiba has the prospect of making his senior team debut in his home town tomorrow, while the second meeting between these teams will take place on Tuesday in Brazzaville.
Kwayiba has been putting in a hard shift at training as he targets making a lasting impression on Broos.
Bafana Bafana players interact with fans who attended their training session at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
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“If I get a chance, I will make every effort to give my best,” he told Safa Media.
“This is my first time being called up to the senior team, and I don’t want it to be my last – I want to prove myself. I am happy because I am here now in (Bafana) camp,” added Kwayiba.
“Some players (here) are my role models, but I think I am comfortable around these players, and I will do my best to work so that things go well.”
Kwayiba is no stranger to the national set-up, having represented South Africa in the most recent Cosafa Cup in June.
He played in two out of three games at the tournament, and was one of the brightest sparks in Helman Mkhalele’s side.
Kwayiba detailed how his last call-up influenced his mindset, and that he was ready to become a mainstay for Bafana.
“I was really happy to receive that opportunity in the Cosafa Cup because I was exposed to what is expected when you’re part of the national team,” he said.
“So, even though I was in the Cosafa team, my main goal was to be part of the senior team.
“I’m happy to be a part of this group of players, and it will serve as a motivating force to keep working on myself as well.”
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Broos has targeted a full haul of points in these matches, following Bafana’s draw against Uganda and a win over South Sudan to open their campaign.
According to the fresh-faced Kwayiba, Bafana have enough quality in their ranks to make Broos’ dreams a reality and qualify for Morocco 2025.
“Congo are not a team I’ve watched a lot of, but I watched them the last time. As players, we know what we’re capable of and why we were chosen, so we can definitely get the job done.”
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