Home crowd inspired me – Sangweni

Siyabonga Sangweni is congratulated by teammates after scoring the goal against Angola. Picture: Rebecca Blackwell/AP

After scoring Bafana Bafana’s opening goal of the Africa Cup of Nations against Angola yesterday defender Siyabonga Sangweni says playing in front of his home crowd in Durban brings out the best in him.

Sangweni, who scored just before the half-hour mark to put Bafana on the road to victory, said he was always motivated to work harder to make the people of his province happy.

“Last night was our day and everyone played well,” said the Empangeni-born Orlando Pirates defender who made his name at Golden Arrows.

Sangweni gave credit to all the players for pulling up their socks and making the nation proud.

“We wanted the result so badly and credit must go to all the players because it was a team effort. As defenders we did what was required as we did not concede goals and everyone came to the party.”

It was not the first time Sangweni had scored at Moses Mabhida. He scored in the last game of the season against his former side, Arrows, to win Pirates the Absa Premiership championship. He also scored the winner against eThekwini Coastal in the Nedbank Cup.

Bafana have a chance of playing all the games in Durban if they top Group A and this will give Sangweni another chance of pleasing his home supporters.

Bafana play Morocco on Sunday in the last game of the group and if they win they will play their quarterfinal game here as well.