Centurion Mokoena has 'loved every minute'

Bafana Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena will become the first South African player to reach 100 caps when he leads the side against Guatemala in Monday night's friendly international at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane (8.35pm).

"It is unbelievable. When I made my debut against Botswana on February 20, 1999, I never dreamed I would reach this milestone. It is fantastic," said the 29-year-old Portsmouth defender.

"But I owe so much to so many people who have helped my career."

Mokoena, then playing for Jomo Cosmos, holds another record as the youngest player to feature for Bafana at an age of 18 years, two months and 26 days when he played in that 2-1 win over Botswana in a Cosafa Cup match in Gaborone.

Mokoena went on to play in Holland for Ajax Amsterdam, Belgium Germinal Beerschot and Racing Genk before joining English Premiership outfit Blackburn Rovers in 2005. He joined FA Cup finalists and relegated Premiership side Portsmouth at the start of this season.

Said Mokoena: "It has been a fabulous roller coaster ride. I have loved every minute."

But asked what new target he has, he replied: "I will take it one day at a time. I have no targets. All I want to do now is focus on helping Bafana do well in the World Cup."

Mokoena was given rare praise by Bafana's Brazilian head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who said: "Winning 100 caps is no fluke. There are few players in world soccer who reach this milestone.

"Aaron is one of those special breed of players who are committed, dedicated and have great character. He is an exceptional leader and will be a huge asset to Bafana in the World Cup.

"This is a well-deserved honour for a superb international player."

Mokoena is determined to celebrate his 100 cap in style against Guatemala but stressed: "They have come here to test us. We cannot underestimate them as we have only 11 days left and only one more friendly (against Denmark at the Super stadium next Saturday) to tune up for the World Cup.

"We cannot afford to waste these vital warm-up matches and believe me, we are taking Guatemala as serious as we would the other countries we played last week such as Bulgaria and Colombia.

Bafana drew 1-1 against Bulgaria at the Orlando Stadium on Monday and then defeated Colombia 2-1 at Soccer City in front of 75 000 excited fans last Thursday night.

Bafana open the World Cup when they play Mexico at the sold out Soccer City on June 11. - Sapa