Khune to start in Swaziland
Kickoff is at 19h00.
Four players who have been called up for the first to Bafana Bafana will be making their debut.
They are defenders Thapelo Morena (Bloemfontein Celtic) and Daniel Cardoso (Free State Stars), midfielder Cole Alexander (Polokwane City) and striker Thabo Mnyamane (Tuks).
In goal Mashaba will start with Itumeleng Khune, who makes his first start in a Bafana Bafana jersey since the CHAN tournament more than a year ago.
He will be assisted at the back by Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabo Matlaba and debutants Morena and Cardoso.
The middle of the park will be occupied by Kamohelo Mokotjo, Alexander, Thulani Serero and Ayanda Patosi, while Mnyamane and Lehlohonolo Majoro will be the strikers.
Hlatshwayo has been named captain for the match.
There is still a chance for more debutants in the match as Siphelele Ntshangase (Black Leopards) and Lebogang Phiri (Brondby FC, Denmark) will start on the bench.
“I am happy with the line-up we have put up. I have said before that we will not underestimate Swaziland. That is why we have put up a side I believe is very strong enough to give the opposition a challenge. I have also said we would like to give as many players a chance so we can see them up close and personal because we are now nearing the end of our building phase. It would be interesting to see how the combinations that we have put up will fare, but I am confident that they will do well. Also, it is important that we go into the Nigeria match with a morale-boosting win,” said Mashaba.
As only 23 can sit on the bench, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Thuso Phala and Oupa Manyisa will not be considered for the match.
SA XI vs Swaziland: Itumeleng Khune (GK), Thapelo Morena, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo (c), Daniel Cardoso, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Cole Alexander, Thulani Serero, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Ayanda Patosi, Thabo Mnyamane.
Subs: Jackson Mabokgwane (GK), Siyabonga Nhlapho, Sibusiso Khumalo, Rivaldo Coetzee, Andile Jali, Jabulani Shongwe, Mandla Masango, Tokelo Rantie, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Bongani Zungu, Siphelele Ntshangase, Lebogang Phiri.
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
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