South Africa’s men’s national team, Bafana Bafana have named 26 players for this month’s back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana and Sudan.
Head coach of Bafana, Molefi Ntseki decided to keep faith with veteran goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune, who has been anything but outstanding in recent weeks for Premier Soccer League (PSL) club, Kaizer Chiefs. However, impressive AmaZulu goalkeeper Veli Mothwa has also been handed a call-up.
Thibang Phete, Craig Martin, Ben Motshwari and Ruzaigh Gamildien are also in the squad and will be in line for their senior debuts.
Bafana are scheduled to welcome Ghana to FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on March 25, before going away to Omdurman to face Sudan at the El Hilal Stadium three days later.
South Africa currently lie second in Group C, level on points with Ghana but one goal behind in goal difference, after four games played in the campaign. Sudan, with 6 points and a fixture against Sao Tome and Principe in hand, are the only threat to Bafana’s spot at next year’s continental championships, which is set to take place in Cameroon from January to February.
Full Bafana squad:
GK: Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, Itumeleng Khune
DEF: Thibang Phete, Siyanda Xulu, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Mosa Lebusa, Innocent Maela, Sifiso Hlanti, Thapelo Morena, Craig Martin
MID: Rivaldo Coetzee, Themba Zwane, Thulani Serero, Ben Motshwari, Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly, Percy Tau, Sipho Mbule, Andile Jali, Luther Singh, Dean Furman
STR: Kermit Erasmus, Bradley Grobler, Ruzaigh Gamildien, Lyle Foster
Story by Sammy Wejinya
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