Mokotjo, Erasmus start for Bafana

Mokotjo and Erasmus both fell out with former Bafana head coach Shakes Mashaba but have been given a new lease of life under caretaker coach Owen Da Gama.

The 24 year-old Mokotjo is able to play after his re-application for South African citizenship was accepted on Friday by the department of Home Affairs. The FC Twente midfielder took up Dutch nationality in December, meaning he had to renounce his South African citizenship.

The South African Football Association did not appear to realise this on announcing the Bafana squad, prompting a mad scramble to have Mokotjo repatriated in time for Saturday’s game.

Erasmus has struggled for game-time since leaving Orlando Pirates for the French league in January 2016. But he has managed to get more minutes on loan from Ligue 1 side Rennes at Ligue 2 side Lens, and now gets a chance to resume his international career.

Bafana XI: Khune (c), Mphahlele, Hlatshwayo, Mathoho, Langerman, Zwane, Furman, Mokotjo, Dolly, Serero, Erasmus.
Subs: Keet, Coetzee, Gordinho, Thopola, Kekana, Mnyamane, Jali, Mabunda, Tau, Manyama, Veldwijk, Singh.