Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has announced a 24-man squad to face Malawi in an international friendly match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The clash will take place on Saturday, 22 December 2012 and kicks off at 18h00.
Igesund has kept the core of the team that lost 1-0 to Zambia at FNB Stadium in the Nelson Mandela Challenge last month.
Belgium-based midfielder Ayanda Patosi is the only newcomer into the squad, with defender Tsepo Masilela making a comeback into the team after a long lay-off due to injury. Also returning after a long absence from the national team are Russia-based defender Siyanda Xulu and the Orlando Pirates duo of goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa and forward Daine Klate.
“I have been using the past five matches to look at various players and this one against Malawi is no different. The only difference is that this is the last chance for me and my technical team to have a final look at what we have at our disposal,” said Igesund.
“Time for observing and assessing the players is almost over, and I believe this match will give us an indication of where we are and where we are going,” added Igesund.
The coach has also announced a further 12 players that will go into a mini-training camp in Johannesburg from 27 – 30 December, where he will have a last look at the players. The final 23-man 2013 AFCON team will be announced after this camp on Sunday, 30 December.
“We initially intended to name the final squad after the match against Norway on the 9th of January next year, but after careful consideration, we have decided to name the squad at the end of our upcoming December camp so that when we start the January camp we have all the players we are going to use in the AFCON tournament.
“That will enable them to play together the last two preparation matches against Norway and Algeria,” said Igesund.
Bafana Bafana was last in Durban in February when they played to a goalless draw against Senegal.
“It’s fantastic to be back at this magnificent and world class venue that is the Moses Mabhida Stadium. As SAFA we are well aware that football has a special place in this part of the world, and it is no surprise that Bafana Bafana have always enjoyed great support in this City and the Province in general,” said SAFA CEO Dr Robin Petersen.
“We are really honoured to have once again partnered with the City of eThekwini to stage this match and call upon fans to come and make this a momentous occasion for our all involved, especially our national team as they prepare for the all-important upcoming AFCON 2013 which we will host as a country.
The City of eThekwini is equally delighted to host Bafana Bafana.
”We are proud to once again welcome the national team to our shores because these are our pride and joy. As the City of eThekwini, we are ready to host this game and will pull out all stops to ensure that we do not lower standards in preparation for the AFCON tournament in which we will host the group that will feature our Bafana,” said Cllr James Nxumalo, Mayor of eThekwini Municipality.
The Mayor has also made an appeal to the fans to come and support Bafana Bafana.
“We urge people to buy tickets on time and come in numbers to ensure that we show the world that we are ready to host next year’s AFCON tournament. As is tradition during the festive season, eThekwini is already abuzz with activities and visitors from all over the country and the globe. We have no doubt the large number of people who are already in the City to enjoy their holidays will go out and fill the Moses Mabhida Stadium to capacity in support of our national team. We wish Bafana Bafana the best of luck and are confident that they will do the country proud,” added Cllr Nxumalo.
Bafana Bafana will assemble for camp on Wednesday, 19 December in Johannesburg and will fly to Durban on Thursday, 20 December.
They will have two training sessions – one on Thursday evening at People’s Park and the second on Friday morning (21 December) at the match venue.
The full Bafana Bafana squad to face Malawi follows:
BAFANA BAFANA TEAM TO FACE MALAWI:
NO. PLAYER'S NAME CLUB
GOALKEEPERS:
1. Itumeleng KHUNE Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
2. Wayne SANDILANDS Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
3. Senzo MEYIWA Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
DEFENDERS:
4. Bevan FRANSMAN Supersport United FC (SA)
5. Thabo NTHETHE Bloemfontein Celtic (SA)
6. Siyabonga SANGWENI Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
7. Siyanda XULU FC Rostov (Russia)
8. Siboniso GAXA Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
9. Tshepo MASILELA Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
10. Thabo MATLABA Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
MIDFIELDERS:
11. Oupa MANYISA Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
12. Reneilwe LETSHOLONYANE Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
13. Siphiwe TSHABALALA Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
14. Sifiso MYENI Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
15. Thanduyise KHUBONI Lamontville Golden Arrows FC (SA)
16. May MAHLANGU Helsingborg IF (Sweden)
17. Delron BUCKLEY Maritzburg United FC (SA)
18. Lerato CHABANGU Moroka Swallows FC (SA)
19. Thuso PHALA Platinum Stars FC (SA)
20. Ayanda PATOSI Lokeren FC (Belgium)
21. Daine KLATE Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
STRIKERS:
22. Bernard PARKER Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
23. Lehlohonolo MAJORO Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
24. Tokelo RANTIE Malmo FF (Sweden)
ADDITIONAL PLAYERS:
To join the 27 – 30 December training camp in Johannesburg
1. Darren KEET KV Kortrijk FC (Sweden)
2. Eric MATHOHO Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
3. Anele NGCONGCA Racing Genk FC (Belgium)
4. Andile JALI Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
5. Teko MODISE Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
6. Bongani KHUMALO Paok FC (Greece)
7. Ricardo NUNES MSK Zilina FC (Slovakia)
8. Thulani SERERO Ajax Amsterdam FC (Holland)
9. Katlego MPHELA Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
10. Benni MCCARTHY Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
11. Kagisho DIKGACOI Crystal Palace (England)
12. Dean FURMAN Oldham Athletic (England)
