The squad, almost identical to the one Igesund selected for the African Cup of Nations(AFCON) earlier this year, does come with its surprises though.
Bongani Khumalo, who captained Bafana in this years AFCON, has been left out the squad.The defender who plays his football in Greece for PAOK(on-loan from Tottenham Hotspurs),has only started in one match for his club side since Bafana's quater-final exit from the AFCON,lack of game time and the fact that the player is carrying a injury were the reasons Igesund gave for omitting the defender from his squad
“He's carrying a slight injury. I've chosen not to choose him on the strength that he has not been playing for his club.”
Other players that haven't made the squad include Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Thulani Serero, Igesund said "I just think Serero has got to do a little bit more for me. He came back from a very difficult injury and when he was in camp for the Afcon, I think he was afraid of getting injured.
“So I need him to get mentally stronger and start playing regularly for his club overseas. Then he will be able to give us 100 percent." Katlego Mphela who turns 29 this year and the injured Lehlohonolo Majoro are the other big names not in the squad.
In form SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was unlucky not to make the 23 man squad, the 21 year old is however going to train with the squad in the week leading up to Bafana's clash with the CAR
Daylon Claasen,Dino Ndlovu and Siyanda Xulu all received call ups and will return to bafana set up, all three players ply their trade oversea's and are earmarked by many to be the future stars of South African Football.
The Bafana squad
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Senzo Meyiwa, Wayne Sandilands
Defenders: Morgan Gould, Siyabonga Sangweni, Thabo Nthethe, Anele Ngcongca, Siyanda Xulu, Tsepo Masilela, Thabo Matlaba
Midfielders: Kagisho Dikgacoi, Dean Furman, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, May Mahlangu, Daylon Claasen, Lerato Chabangu, Thuso Phala, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Daine Klate
Forwards: Bernard Parker, Dino Ndlovu, Tokelo Rantie
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