Timothy Molobi - City Press
 

Durban - Under-fire Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo said the team was grateful for the support the nation has given them.

Bafana played their last three games in front of a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Khumalo, who has come under a lot of flak for his performance in the team, said they were touched by how the supporters have rallied behind them and said this inspired and motivated them to work hard.

Khumalo said there was a lot of positivity around the team, despite being knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations by Mali.

“Now the challenge is to build from here because we will need this support going forward. We really appreciate the kind of support we have been getting and everybody is happy,” Khumalo told City Press.

He said they were disappointed that their tournament came to an abrupt end on Saturday but it was not the end of the world. He said the players learnt a lot in this competition.

“We hope to use this experience going forward as there is still a long way to go. It was a good tournament for us as not many gave us a chance but tonight we showed we could play and match the best in the world.”

Khumalo had a decent tournament as Bafana conceded only three goals in four matches.

His partnership with Siyabonga Sangweni was key to the team’s survival but there were still some question marks over his overall display.