Itumeleng Khune says Bafana Bafana are carrying the hopes of the nation as they gear up for their must-win Fifa World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso on Saturday.

The Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper was named as the captain of the national team after Thulani Hlatswayo was not selected due to his injury.

The 30-year-old will be hoping Bafana can redeem themselves against Burkina in their crucial Group D encounter after picking up one point from three matches played so far.

“We owe it to the nation to beat Burkina Faso,” Khune told the club’s official website.

“We are carrying the hopes of the nation. Our intentions are clear – we plan to win this match. It won’t be easy, but we are geared to redeem ourselves on Saturday.

“We know that they are currently on top of the log in our group. We can’t afford to disappoint the nation. We are playing at home and it is important to dominate and collect the maximum points in our backyard.

“All in all, we are ready for the match. We are training hard and so far so good, the preparations are going well. We are united and on the same page as a squad.”

Bafana Bafana will host Burkina Faso at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off set for 15:00.