Stand-in captain Morgan Gould says he looks forward to leading Bafana Bafana in an international friendly against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Saturday afternoon.
“I am overwhelmed that the coach has seen it fit to give me the armband,” Gould said on Saturday morning.
“This will be the first time for me and I can’t wait.
“I may be the chosen leader, but on the field we are all captains and I know with the help of the other experienced players we will pull through.
“I am really looking forward to leading the team against the Taifa Stars.”
Gould steps into the shoes of Siphiwe Tshabalala who was withdrawn from the team along with Kaizer Chiefs teammates Itumeleng Khune and Reneilwe Letsholonyane, adding fire to a club versus country debate.
“We have been dealt a blow by the loss of the three guys, but then against this is also a chance for us to take the baton and run with it,” Gould said on Saturday morning.
“Our character will be tested against Tanzania and we have to be ready for anything.
“The good thing is we have prepared well since the beginning of the week so we are ready for them.”
Dream come true for Sandilands
Khune’s place in goals will be taken by Mamelodi Sundowns’ Wayne Sandilands, who will make his Bafana Bafana debut.
“I am really grateful for this opportunity,” Sandilands said.
“This is something that as a kid you always dream of and now it will be happening in just a few hours.
“It’s a dream come true, and I can only hope that I play well and help my country succeed.”
Sandilands will be backed up by South African Under-23 international goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo.
The 21-year-old AmaZulu keeper jetted into Dar Es Salaam on Friday evening after receiving a late call-up.
The match starts at 5pm. — Sapa