Bafana rookies to give Burkina Faso a run for their money
They depart for Burkina Faso on 4 October.
LIMPOPO – Polokwane City striker, Thulani Mcwango has been included in the 25-man squad to play against Burkina Faso and Ghana in back-to-back matches.
Mcwango, who has been embroiled in transfer controversy ahead of the commencement of the Absa Premiership league, is about to make a significant contribution to the national side.
Under siege, Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba also included Belgium-based midfielder Ayanda Patosi, who was previously overlooked for the failed 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
An interesting inclusion is that of May Mahlangu, who had previously retired from international football citing fatigue. Missing from the squad is another Belgium-based midfielder, Andile Jali, who is unavailable due to injury. The continued absence of France-based striker Kermit Erasmus is a curious decision, as he has been continually overlooked since declaring he was not a back-up player.
Bafana Bafana tackle The Stallions (Les Etalons) in the opening match of the Fifa 2018 World Cup qualifiers on 8 October at Stade Du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Mashaba has made several changes to the squad that played against Mauritania and Egypt earlier this month.
Erick Mathoho returns to the fold after missing out on the two matches as he was still recovering from the injury he sustained at the Rio Olympics Games. Also making his comeback is fellow defender Rivaldo Coetzee who was withdrawn from the two previous matches because of illness. Oupa Manyisa, Thulani Serero, Eleazor Rodgers, Brighton Mhlongo, May Mahlangu and Ayanda Patosi have also been recalled.
Mashaba says a positive start is crucial in the opening match. The embattled coach says it is imperative that Bafana have a flying start against Burkina Faso.
Anything other than a win in Burkina Faso will have the South African men playing catch-up and it is never an easy task for any country.
Three days after facing Les Etalons, Bafana Bafana will face the Black Stars of Ghana in an international friendly match that will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Kick-off is at 19:00 and tickets are already on sale at R80 all round. They can be purchased at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers. Bafana Bafana go into camp this Sunday.
They will have a training session the next day in Johannesburg and depart for Burkina Faso on 4 October.
They are expected to return to South Africa on 10 October.
