Khumalo is part of the 20-man Bafana Bafana team that will play in

a World Cup qualification game against Malawi at Kings Park Stadium

on Saturday.

"I knew that there will be something like this, I had room for it

because I have been in this business for a long time.

"People are acting as if it's the first and the last time that I am

called into the squad.

"They are actually building me."

The 34-year old last played for Bafana in the 1999 Carribbean tour.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz said this game was a tribute to the star

midfielder.

"I have always said it would be nice to get my 50th cap and after

this game anything is possible. I've done my part for the squad.

"I have been to the World Cup and if there is a feeling that young

players should be given a chance, it's no big deal."

Adding to Khumalo's joy is working under coach Carlos Queiroz.

"He is such a humble person, he understands where the players are

coming from and he makes his points very clear," said Khumalo.

The one thing that Khumalo is sure of is that there will be no time

to relax for Bafana when they take the pitch on Saturday.

"Malawi are one of those teams who fight until the last minute and

considering they are playing South Africa, that is enough

motivation for them."

Also returning to the squad is Sundowns defender Themba Mnguni who

believes that his comeback could see him make his second trip to

the World Cup.

"This call up came at the right time for me. I am even short of

words because I believe if I can do well and if my form at club

level does not drop I could see myself going to Mali and even Japan

next year.

"I just hope that if I go to the World Cup I will play this time

around."

Mnguni featured in the 1998 Africa Cup Of Nations and the World Cup

in Burkina Faso and France.

"When I was called up, Bafana Bafana had already qualified for both

the events.

"This year an injury has set me back. I was actually supposed to be

here for the Congo game but then I picked up an injury when we

(Sundowns) were playing against Young Masters of Tanzania.

"If I play against Malawi it will be my first qualification game."

The last time that Mnguni wore the national colours was in the

international friendly in Lesotho earlier this year. This 27-year

old with 13 caps said Bafana should not take Malawi lightly.

"They are eager to fight so we have to do everything to make sure

that we do not dent our image.

Pride is at stake and fans are always happy to see goals."

Benni McCarthy joined his teammates on Wednesday while Tebogo

Mokoena rested with Dillon Sheppard because of the flu.

Meanwhile, the Malawians were expected in the country on Wednesday.