Siphiwe Tshabalala admits he is delighted to back in the Bafana Bafana fold, and is relishing the chance to share his experience with the raft of youngsters being brought into the squad.

The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was left out of the South Africa team that drew 1-1 against Morocco in a friendly international in October, but has since been recalled by coach Gordon Igesund ahead of Friday’s tie against Swaziland.

Tshabalala, 29, is now looking forward to taking up the mantel of a veteran in the team, telling Chiefs’ official website: “It is a great feeling to be in the squad. There are a lot of youngsters in the squad now. I think it is a step in the right direction and will benefit the country in the long run.

“I am helping and guiding the younger guys by giving them advise and motivation. They all deserve to be here as they have done well in their clubs and in the national team.”

Tshabalala added: “It is hot in Swaziland. We had our first training on Wednesday at 18:30 and trained again on Thursday at 11:00.

“We will be playing on Astroturf. Even though we played Swaziland before, this time they will be a closed book.”