Aiden Markram: We're here to win the World Cup

South Africa open their campaign against Sri Lanka in New York on Monday evening (16:30 SAST), with another opportunity to grab an elusive first piece of silverware in the offing.

Markram, when asked about his side's hopes in the 2024 showpiece, made it quite clear what their intentions are.

"I'm feeling quietly confident. Obviously, it's a World Cup. There's some really good teams here, but we feel that if we're on our form and playing at our best ability, we're able to compete with anyone here and beat anyone here," Markram told reporters. 

"So, we're putting a lot of focus on ourselves and seeing ultimately where it gets us. But certainly, [we are] here to lift the trophy. 

"I'm sure every other team is also here to lift the trophy. So, we'll see at the end of it, but quietly confident that we have what it takes."

With the Proteas always among the favourites coming into any World Cup, despite having not lifted a trophy yet, the 29-year-old is adamant they can finally get that monkey off their backs.

"I mean, for the time being, we're trying to achieve something we haven't achieved before. So, I don't think that brings too much extra pressure," he insisted.

"I think it brings a bit more excitement and energy to the team. But we'd love to get that first elusive one, of course. 

"And like I mentioned earlier, I believe that we have the team to do so. But I don't think it adds too much more pressure. But guys are definitely really hungry to get that first one."

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