Bafana Bafana star midfielder Teko Modise accepts he will have more responsibility during next month’s Confederations Cup.
Bafana open the tournament when they host Asian champions Iraq in the first Group A fixture at Ellis Park on June 14.
Modise, who has played 32 times for Bafana, said: ”Playing in the Confederations Cup will be the biggest international tournament I have ever played in. And I guess that I will have more responsibility as a senior player and, with that, comes pressure. But I thrive on pressure. Pressure makes me play better and I relish this big challenge.”
The Orlando Pirates midfield maestro is also looking forward to teaming up again with Everton star Steven Pienaar, who joins his Bafana teammates after playing for his English club in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 30 against Chelsea.
Modise played a leading role in helping Bucs finish runners-up to Absa Premiership champions SuperSport United this season. The teams tied on 55 points but United retained the Premiership title with a superior goal difference.
Of Pienaar, with whom he played in the 1-0 friendly win over Norway at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium and in the 2-0 loss against Portugal in Switzerland recently, Modise said: ”I am looking forward to meeting up with Steven again. He has had a great season for Everton and, hopefully, his confidence and success will rub off on Bafana.”
Modise also said that the Confederations Cup exposure could open the door for him to play in Europe. ”That is possible. But the tournament is also a shop window for all my Bafana teammates who are keen to improve their careers by playing in Europe. This is a fantastic chance for us, as players and as a country, to do well against some of the best players and sides in the world.” — Sapa