South Africa national team head coach Molefi Ntseki has announced his squad to take on Namibia and Zambia later this month.
Ntseki has named a 25-man squad for the double friendlies that will enable his team to get sharp for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as well as 2022 World Cup Qualifiers.
As far as new faces, Nteski has called Ricardo Goss, Gladwin Shitolo, Thibang Phete and Kurt Abrahams to the squad, with the coach snubbing Itumeleng Khune, Eric Mathoho, Brandon Petersen, Thabo Matlaba, Thembinkosi Lorch and George Maluleka.
“This exercise is all about introduction and induction. We have called up a number of youngsters to get the feel of the senior national team set up and that is very critical. The whole idea is to merge these players so that going forward we have a huge pool in case of injuries or any other mishap,” said Ntseki on the composition of his team.
“It is critical that we broaden the database and increase the number and quality of players ready to play for Bafana Bafana. So this mixture is important as part of preparations for future assignments,’’ Ntseki added.
South Africa will take on Namibia on 8 October at Royal Bafokeng Stadium and three days later lock horns with Zambia at the same venue.
Bafana Bafana are set to assemble for camp on Monday whilst the Chipolopolo and Brave Warriors started their training earlier this week and they are expected to fly their strongest team for the encounters.
Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (OHL, Belgium), Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Thibang Phete (Belenenses, Portugal), Motjeka Madisha, Mosa Lebusa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sifiso Hlanti (Unattached), Thulani Hlatswayo, Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates), Reeve Frosler (Kaizer Chiefs), Abbubaker Mobara (Cape Town City)
Midfielders: Andile Jali, Mothobi Mvala, Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Teboho Mokoena, Sipho Mbule (SuperSport United) Thabo Nodada (Cape Town City), Gladwin Sitholo (Golden Arrows), Keagan Dolly (Montpellier, France)
Forwards: Percy Tau (Anderlecht, Belgium) Kermit Erasmus (Cape Town City), Lebogang Manyama (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabiso Kutumela (Maritzburg United) Luther Singh (Pacos de Ferreira, Portugal), Kurt Abrahams (Westerlo, Belgium)
