Tokelo Rantie back in Bafana squad

Rantie has not played for Bafana since he failed to turn up for camp ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso in October. The 26 year-old has yet to have a disciplinary hearing with the South African Football Association, but Bafana team manager Barney Kujane said he would be speaking to the player once he attend the Nigeria camp.

The Genclebirligi striker does have previous form in Nigeria, scoring twice as Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals qualifier, a result that confirmed Nigeria’s elimination from the competition.

“His (Rantie’s) disciplinary issues were before me,” said Baxter yesterday.

“When Tokelo comes back I am sure the association will be speaking to him and clear it up. When I saw Tokelo against Nigeria (in 2014), he scared them to death, I think Nigeria will not want to see his name on the teamsheet.”

“I have had contact with him and he feels he is at a better stage now, he was probably ill-advised and a bit depressed. He feels he is in a better space, I feel positive, and a motivated Rantie is an asset to Bafana.”

Baxter’s 25-man squad also contains midfielder Bongani Zungu, who is having an impressive season at Vitoria de Guimaraes in the Portuguese Pimeira Liga. Thulani Serero, misses out, however, having not played at all for Ajax Amsterdam in the 2016/17 campaign.

“I have had contact with him (Serero) and notified him that I don’t think it is fair on him and the rest of the squad (to call him up) when he has only had 800 minutes of top flight football over the last year,” said Baxter.

“I did tell him that I think he is one of our biggest talents and I am sure that once he has a new address, I am going to be picking him.”

Bafana squad

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Dareen Keet (Bidvest Wits)

Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Kaizer Chiefs), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax CT), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Wits), Eric Mathoho (Chiefs), Lorenzo Gordinho (Chiefs), Abbubaker Mobara (Orlando Pirates), Tebogo Langerman (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sifiso Hlanti (Wits)

Midfielders: Hlompho Kekana (Sundowns), Keagan Dolly (Montpellier, France), Andile Jali (KV Oostende, Belgium), Kamohelo Mokotjo (FC Twente, Holland), Dean Furman (SuperSport United), Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Bongani Zungu (Vitoria de Guimaraes, Portugal), Aubrey Ngoma (CT City)

Strikers: Sibusiso Vilakazi (Sundowns), Percy Tau (Sundowns), Lebogang Manyama (CT City), Tokelo Rantie (Genclerbirligi, Turkey), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Pirates), Kermit Erasmus (Lille, France)