Bafana
Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund has announced a 25-man squad to play in the
forthcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Central African Republic
(CAR) and Ethiopia next month.
The
first of the two World Cup qualifiers against CAR in Yaoundé, Cameroon will be
played on Saturday, 8 June at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo (kick off 15h00) with the
second match against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa pencilled for Sunday, 16 June
(kick off 15h00 SA time).
Despite
Bafana Bafana having been ravaged by injuries to its core players especially in
defence, Igesund has kept the nucleus of the squad. He has brought in seven
players who were not part of the personnel that faced CAR in Cape Town in
March.
Injuries
have ruled out defenders Morgan Gould, Siyabonga Sangweni, Siyanda Xulu, and
Thabo Matlaba, as well as striker Dino Ndlovu while Daylon Claasen who is not
attached to any club is out. Midfielder Lerato Chabangu has also been left out.
Called
up to the squad are defenders Tsepo Masilela, Tefo Mashamaite, Siboniso Gaxa
(all Kaizer Chiefs), as well as Bevan Fransman of Supersport United.
Also
returning to the Bafana Bafana fold after a long absence are Thandani
Ntshumayelo and Tlou Segolela (both Orlando Pirates), Richard Henyekane of
Mamelodi Sundowns and Katlego Mashego of Moroka Swallows.
The
two qualifiers are part of Bafana Bafana’s “Road to Brazil” campaign.
“These
are two very important matches for us, and even though we are missing a few
players through injuries or loss of form, things are looking very positive. The
players I have selected for these matches are highly technical and ready for
the challenge. They also know what is at stake. I am quite confident that we
will pull through,” said Igesund.
“These
are huge encounters for us, and as for the CAR match, the most important thing
is that we must not lose this game. If we don’t win then we need to have a draw
so we can stay in the race because we still have to meet and hopefully beat
Ethiopia the following week who are top of the group with two points ahead.”
The
Bafana Bafana mentor believes that even though playing away, he will have to
stick to his offensive strategy in order to get positive results.
“We
beat CAR convincingly in Cape Town in March, and we want to continue with our
attacking game like we did back then and I believe playing in a neutral venue
will help in that regard. We have to be offensive if we want to get something
out of the match against CAR or we will be putting ourselves in a very tight
corner.
“The
following week will be key against Ethiopia; of course depending on how they
would have played against Botswana,” added Igesund.
Bafana
Bafana will meet for camp on 29 May to start preparations for this assignment
and will leave for Cameroon on 4 June assemble for camp on Wednesday, 29 May at
SAFA House at midday.
Bafana Bafana squad v
Central African Republic (CAR) and Ethiopia
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune,
Wayne Sandilands, Senzo Meyiwa
Defenders: Anele Ngcongca,
Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela, Tebogo Langerman, Erick Mathoho, Thabo Nthethe,
Tefu Mashamaite, Bevan Fransman
Midfielders: Thuso Phala, Siphiwe
Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Dean Furman, May Mahlangu,
Tlou Segolela, Thandani Ntshumayelo, Oupa Manyisa, Richard Henyekane, Daine
Klate
Strikers: Tokelo Rantie,
Bernard Parker, Katlego Mashego
-
SAFA
