Controversial Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy has expressed his commitment to the national team and has called on South Africa to rally behind the side and support national coach Joel Santana.

McCarthy, meanwhile, also lashed out at those that have criticised him and written negative reports, saying he "wants the nation to know that whenever he gets bad publicity questioning his commitment, it makes him feel like he is not a South African".

"The coach called me and the captain (Aaron Mokoena) into a meeting in London where he outlined his vision to the 2010 World Cup," said the country's all-time leading goal-scorer.

"He stated very clearly that because of our football profiles and experience, he expects us to lead the campaign forward. It was a positive meeting and frank." The Blackburn striker further revealed: "Coach Santana asked whether I can commit to availability throughout the 2010 African Cup of Nations qualifiers and to all games that I am called up to honour.

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

McCarthy wants to be part of the 2010 World Cup team, describing it as "an honour for any player to be selected to be part of the South African national team", whilst the star marksman also revealed that Santana told him that he did not want any negativity around his players, the team and especially himself (McCarthy).

"We have to be positive," he stressed. "We have a bright future and the way we played against a good team like Australia showed that we have talent and direction.

"What we need now is the enthusiasm of the people of South Africa. The remaining qualifiers are important and are going to be tough, and we therefore need the support of all South Africans."

Meanwhile, Santana confirmed the meeting with McCarthy and Mokoena, saying: "I met the two players and had a man-to-man talk with them about my expectations of them and the leadership expected from players of their football status.

"I'm therefore happy with the commitment they have made to the country's vision of a world-class team for 2010 and to their responsibilities to South Africa," he concluded.