In the defence there are two youngsters, Siyanda Xulu and Keegan Ritchie who may get a run in the match as they have been doing very well for Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows, respectively. The defence also sees the return of Israel-based, Bevan Fransman who has been doing well for his team also.
The midfield sees the long-awaited arrival of Sundowns anchor-man, Matthew Pattison. The left-footed midfielder has been performing consistently for the Absa Premiership log-leaders since he came from Europe more than a year ago and it comes as no surprise that he finally found his way into the national team.
Young midfielder Daylon Claasen who plays his football at Lierse in Belgium has also being called up in place of the ageing Macbeth Sibaya. Kagisho Dikgacoi who has just recovered from injury also made a return into the team. Seasoned campaigners like Teko Modise, Captain Steven Pienaar and Siphiwe Tshabalala are some of the other players in the midfield.
In the striking department there is a surprise exclusion of Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela who has since recovered from injury that saw him miss few games for his club, but as it is said, one man's poison is another man's meat. His exclusion has made a space for 25 years old Davide Somma who has been finding the back of the net regularly for Leeds United this season.
There is also Kermit Erusmus of Supersport United who has been given another chance to show the national team coaches what he can offer to the team. FC Twente's Bernard Parker and Kaizer Chiefs' Sthembiso Ngcobo completes the four-man strike force.
Judging by the exclusion of wingers like Orlando Pirates dangerman, Daine Klate and Elrio van Heerden, it is evident that Coach Pitso Mosimane is going to continue with the system of playing without wingers, but opting for wide attacking midfielders instead, roles which are most likely to be occupied by Steven Pienaar and Siphiwe Tshabalala, on the right and left, respectively. In the central midfield the coach is likely to give the enterprising Orlando Pirates star, Andile Jali a first start and pair him with Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Thanduyise Khuboni or Matthew Pattison.
Khune is expected to keep goals and have Siyabonga Sangweni and Morgan Gould as his central defenders. On the right Anele Ngcongca is expected to do duty, with Tshepo Masilela on the left. With this being a friendly game the trio of talented Swallows left-back Keegan Ritchie, Daylon Claasen and Sundowns centre-back Siyanda Xulu are likely to be given some few minutes of play. Strikers Somma and Parker are expected to lead the team's attack.
By Hennie Kgare
