In an interview with the media this past Wednesday, Siphiwe Tshabalala spoke about South Africa’s chances and his eagerness to play in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, having already seen and done it all on the international stage.

The midfielder believes Bafana Bafana’s first match of the competition against Mozambique will set the tone for the rest of the squad’s campaign.

Tshabalala spoke shortly after Bafana concluded a successful training session in Cape Town, where the team will play all three of their group fixtures.

“Every match we play is important but the first game is very crucial because it is always good to start the tournament on a high,” Tshabalala said ahead of the crucial opening encounter.

“A win sets a very nice tone for the rest of the competition. It is good for the team’s morale and for the fans.”

“Shabba”, who was a star during the 2010 Fifa World Cup, as well as the 2009 Confederations Cup, added that he was excited to be taking part in his first CHAN tournament, an event reserved exclusively for players who ply their trade within their national borders.

“The stakes and the expectations are high for us to do well. I believe we are ready after days of hard work and will continue doing so in the remaining two days. I am positive that the 11 players that will be selected to do the job on Saturday will succeed,” added the veteran midfielder.

“It is always an honour to wear the national team jersey. I am grateful that I have been given another chance to represent my country and I have always vowed that I will do my best whenever I am selected.

“This is a very important tournament and it would be nice to win it, but we have to take one game at a time,” he concluded.

Bafana take on Mozambique before a tricky encounter against Mali – who defeated Bafana in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2013. They round off the group stages with a tough match against, tournament favourites, Nigeria on January 19.

Story adapted from Goal.com: 08/01/2014