Athenkosi Mcaba is not your average youngster.
At the age of 20, the Stellenbosch defender understands that he needs to deliver the goods at club and international level.
Mcaba, who made his Bafana debut in the goalless draw against Guinea, is eager to prove his worth.
“I do at times feel the pressure [of being the youngest player in the Bafana team]…. As a player, you need to adapt quickly….because at Bafana, the standard is high, and they demand more,” he said.
The defender from Springs on the East Rand only made his Stellensbosch topflight football debut last year but is no stranger to representing the country. He was part of the Amajimbos squad that lost the Under-17 Cosafa Cup final to Angola in Mauritius in 2018.
“I need to play my football and not relax because I’m a youngster. I have to prove myself to the coach, push and work hard and not hide behind the fact that I am a youngster,” he added.
Bafana Bafana will take on world champions France on Tuesday evening (21:00) in Lille.
“I need to show my abilities more, and if I do play against France, I will do my job as a defender, lead at the back, communicate. Big game and playing against big stars, I need to be ready and focused.”
