Bafana have been promised a 'microwave' reception

Bafana Bafana have been promised a "microwave" reception in Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger in Niamey.

Niger's capital straddles the Niger River on the fringe of the Sahara Desert and temperatures consistently approach 40ºC.

South Africa's only previous meeting against Niger was in their 2-0 win at Mbombela Stadium in September. Bafana have never travelled to Niamey.

They have played in neighbouring countries, though, such as Chad, Mali and Burkina Faso. In these, at times, hellish fixtures, two ever-present players were loyal national team servants Aaron Mokoena and Sibusiso Zuma.

We asked SuperSport United's new striker Zuma, who is nursing an injury, what it takes to operate in a microwave.

What is it like playing in those conditions?

Ja, it's difficult man. As you say, me and Aaron have played a lot of big games in those conditions and it's something you work on in your mind ... you try to prepare for it. You tell yourself you really need the points and you're going to go there and win.

Niger have promised a microwave, so can Bafana expect a hot reception?

It takes a lot out of you. Sometimes you get tired sitting in the bus driving to the stadium.

You're sweating like crazy and then you still have to compete with a very good side - you know you're going to be running for 90 minutes. Usually we sing in the bus and even when it's that hot, we sing and sweat, because you know you have to do the job for the country.

The experienced players try and help the younger players. It's good to have someone paint you a picture before you go there.

So it takes a lot of guts to run for those 90 minutes?

It takes a lot of guts, because sometimes you want to make runs but you can feel you are tired. But you know you can do this and the heat doesn't mean a thing.

What is the worst match you played in - I believe the 3-0 win against Chad in Ndjamena in 2007 was really bad?

That was the worst. When we arrived at the stadium the guys were saying maybe the game would be cancelled.

The stadium is full and you think all these people are going to be disappointed, only to find out, no, the game is on.

At the hotel, to be outside for a minute was too much - you could feel your skin burning. And we played the game and won.

Then, on top of the heat, you have this big, hostile crowd. It must all be quite overwhelming?

Everywhere in Africa, the stadium is always packed. When you arrive there's thousands outside who can't get in.

They try and scare you by throwing rocks at the bus, or hitting the bus with their hands. You know the situation is tough, the stadium is full, and there are not even five South Africans. But you also know you're not playing for yourself, but for millions of people back home.

Niger player Mohamed Chikoto said they're seeing this as one of their biggest games yet?

It doesn't matter how big the team is, or how small the country. When you go and play in Africa, it's going to be tough.

For Nigeria going somewhere it's the same. It's how you prepare yourself. You go there to fight for the points and that's it. If you're not ready you're not going to win, no matter who you're playing.

You were very committed to Bafana in difficult times. Are you pleased to see their revival?

I'm really happy. We've come a long way, man. And I'm just happy to see the fans in South Africa happy and the team doing well.

Would you have like to have been on that plane on Friday?

Ah, not really man (laughs). My time is over. I've done my part and have worked extremely hard for the national team.