Benni McCarthy wants to help Bafana through to the World Cup

South Africa striker Benni McCarthy has committed himself to Bafana Bafana and says he is tired of negative publicity surrounding him and the national side.

The Blackburn star has had a controversial international career.

He went through a 19-month self-imposed exile from the national squad, which only ended in August 2007.

Earlier this year the 30-year-old hit out at the administration of Bafana Bafana by the South African Football Association (Safa).

But now he says he is committed to helping South Africa try to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2010.

Speaking after helping Bafana draw 2-2 with Australia in London on Tuesday, McCarthy revealed he had promised coach Joel Santana he would be ready.

"The coach called me and Aaron Mokoena to a meeting in London, to outline his vision to the 2010 World Cup", said McCarthy.

Coach Santana had a meeting with McCarthy and Mokoena

"I told the coach I will be available because I love my country and I always show that in every game I play."

And he backed South Africa's chances of reaching the Nations Cup in Angola 2010.

"We have a bright future and the way we played against Australia showed that we have the talent and direction.

"The remaining qualifiers are going to be tough and we need the support of all South Africans."

South Africa lie second in their group but they are eight points behind Nigeria.

They need to win both their remaining games, at home against the Super Eagles and away to Equatorial Guinea, to have any chance of going through to the Nations Cup.

They are of course the hosts of the 2010 World Cup and so qualify automatically.