Serero Returns to South Africa Squad

Thulani Serero has been recalled to the South Africa squad for their upcoming 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria.

Serero, who is currently on the books of Dutch side Vitesse, was banned from representing the country on February last year after he snubbed a call-up.

He demanded an assurance from head coach Stuart Baxter for a starting berth in the national side for the World Cup qualifiers against Senegal.

Serero’s return was expected, with South Africa Football Federation (SAFA) revealing in October that he’d promised Baxter his return to the fold following talks with the Danny Jordaan, the federation chief.

South Africa host Nigeria on 17 November at FNB Stadium for the must-win encounter.

There is still no place on coach Stuart Baxter’s list for Kamohelo Mokotjo and Keegan Dolly.

Maritzburg United’s Fortune Makaringe has been included in the squad following a string of impressive performances for the KwaZulu-Natal outfit.

Nigeria currently top Group E after four rounds of fixtures, with Bafana Bafana in the second spot.

Bafana Bafana Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Darren Keet (Bidvest Wits

Defenders:

Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Kaizer Chiefs), Motjeka Madisha (Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (Maritzburg), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Wits), Innocent Maela (Pirates), S’fiso Hlanti(Wits), Buhle Mkhwanazi (Wits) Thamsanqa Mkhize (CT City).

Midfielders:

Vincent Pule (Pirates), Lebohang Maboe (Sundowns), Hlompho Kekana (Sundowns), Fortune Makaringe (Maritzburg), Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport), Tiyani Mabunda (Sundowns), Thulani Serero (Vitesse), Thembinkosi Lorch (Pirates)

Attackers:

Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg), Percy Tau (Royal Union), Dino Ndlovu (Zhejiang), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)