Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter says he has nothing to prove at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations despite it being the first time has gone to the tournament.
Baxter was on the verge of going to the competition in 2004/05 but stepped down just before the team qualified with the late Ted Dumitru taking over the reins.
As such, the AFCON represents the Englishman’s first taste of international football at a major tournament though he insists he is focused on helping the team do well.
Bafana are in a challenging group which includes Morocco, Ivory Coast and Namibia.
He said: “I think once I’ve done it [participated at the AFCON] then I’ll sort of give my report card, but I think going to it, I’m definitely looking forward to it.
“For me, I’m proud to take the national team to the AFCON. I qualified them once before but didn’t go, so I’m happy to be going this time.
“I don’t know, the man that’s looking for revenge usually has to dig two graves, I don’t want to do that, certainly not.
“My focus has to be on preparing the team properly. I don’t think personal agendas should come into it, I mean, I can feel proud, but I don’t want it to become a bloated, excessive pride that looks like arrogance.
“So, yeah, I’m proud but I don’t want it to be showing any difference in the way I am in a normal game.”