KAIZER Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi celebrated their 50th caps for South Africa in Saturday's international friendly match against Algeria at Orlando Stadium.

Both players join a select list of players who have reached such a milestone. They are Aaron Mokoena, Neil Tovey, Shaun Bartlett, Lucas Radebe and Benni McCarthy. Former captain Mokoena, with 107 appearances, remains Bafana's most capped player.

In the current Bafana squad the highest capped player is Siphiwe Tshabalala with 73 caps, followed by Siboniso Gaxa with 54. Katlego Mphela and Bernard Parker are just one cap shy of 50.

Khune made his debut for South Africa on March 11 2008 in an international friendly match against Zimbabwe in Germiston and has conceded 38 goals. Dikgacoi first played for Bafana in 2007 in a Cosafa Castle Cup match against Malawi. He has scored two goals for the national team.

We spoke to Khune to get his thoughts on his achievement.

Question: How does it feel to reach this milestone?

Khune: First of all, I want to thank God. It is with his blessings and grace that I have come this far. It's a great feeling knowing I have served my country for close to six years. It's an indescribable feeling.

As a youngster, my dream was to play for my country. It was not an easy ride because this country is blessed with great goalkeepers but I have managed to achieve my goal. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to my success.

Q: How does your experience help the squad?

A: I joined the national team as a youngster and was welcomed by very experienced players. So it is my turn to do the same to those who are coming through. I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground and remain humble. The experience also comes with responsibilities such as reminding youngsters that they are not indispensable.

Q: What did it feel like captaining South Africa for the first time?

A: It's quite an honour to captain a club or country. Leading the team for the first time against Malawi in Durban was very emotional for me. It was a shock the way it happened. The kit manager handed me the armband before the coach told me.

Q: Your highlights in the national team?

A: Every time I represent my country is a highlight in itself, but a few matches stand out. Featuring in the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 Fifa World Cup are events that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

My second cap against Paraguay on March 26 2008 in Atteridgeville will always be top of the list as we played a very good side. We won 3-0.

Playing against Brazil in their backyard on September 7 2012 also comes to mind despite losing the match 1-0. Another highlight was saving a penalty from world class striker David Villa of Spain.

Q: Your sending off in the World Cup?

A: It was a bitter pill to swallow but I have moved on because it's part of the game. I have learnt a lot from that incident. I am stronger.

Q: What are your fears as a key player in the national team?

A: As a player, when you get injured you worry a lot because there are quality players in the squad who are ready to take your position, but I have always believed in hard work. It has taken me to where I am today.

Q: What are your thoughts on Afcon 2013?

A: We stand a very good chance in this tournament. We must just start converting the many chances we create. I believe we have great players who can deliver.

There is no reason why we should not do well. This is a new generation of players who are hungry for success. I believe that we can go all the way and win this tournament.

Q: Your message to the supporters.

A: I would like to thank them for their continued support and urge them to continue to rally behind the national team. Unity is strength. With their support we can do very well and go far.

They just need to be patient. I am convinced that we will get back to our winning ways and return to be the best on the continent and in the world.