Diamond for Bafana
Chippa star in Shakes squad
BAFANA Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba says he is giving other players a chance, with one eye on the 2018 World Cup qualifiers after the disappointing campaign in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.
Bafana are without a win in four Afcon qualifiers, ahead of their penultimate Group M clash against Gambia at Independence Stadium in Bakau on June 4.
Chances of qualifying for Afcon in Gabon next year have all but vanished. Mashaba, however, says the team will still fight for maximum points in their remaining two matches as a way to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers which resume towards the end of this year.
“Yes we might not qualify for Afcon, but there are World Cup qualifiers coming up. We have to look at preparing for that.
“We have spoken about widening the base of players. We want to give as many players as we can an opportunity to come and play here. We are trying to look at everybody,” said Mashaba yesterday.
Keagan Dolly, Thobani Mncwango, Brighton Mhlongo, Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Tebogo Langerman have been rewarded with call-ups for the Gambia match after having good seasons at club level.
Midfielders Dean Furman and May Mahlangu have returned to the squad, while Chippa United defender Diamond Thopola has been included as the surprise call-up. Thopola has played 27 matches in all competitions for United this season.
Anele Ngcongca, Darren Keet, Jabulani Shongwe, Thulani Hlatshwayo, William Twala and Tokelo Rantie are missing from the previous squad for various reasons.
“All the players who are on the list were selected on merit. Brighton has done well at Pirates and he deserves this call-up. Mncwango is banging in the goals. That’s our problematic area,” said Mashaba.
“Tokelo would always give you a goal, whether he is match fit or not. He is a menace for defenders, but we are trying to give as many players as possible an opportunity.”
Bafana are on three points in the group, hoping to end a disappointing campaign on a high.
“We have to be open and honest about these things. Our chances are very slim. We find ourselves in a very difficult situation. I did say we fluffed it in the first two matches [against Gambia and Mauritania]. But we are going to work hard and make sure we get the six points and see what happens.
“We have been ruled out by many people, but that does not mean we should go out there as sheep to slaughter.”
The squad assembles on Sunday, May 29, and they depart on Wednesday. They will play a friendly match on June 7, though Safa said they can’t confirm the opponents just yet.
The Bafana squad is:
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Jackson Mabokgwane (MP Black Aces), Brighton Mhlongo (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Mamelodi Sundowns), Diamond Thopola (Chippa United), Thabo Matlaba (Orlando Pirates), Mulomowandau Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Sifiso Hlanti (Bidvest Wits), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Tebogo Langerman (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders: Andile Jali (KV Oostende, Belgium), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam, Holland), Mpho Makola (Orlando Pirates), Mandla Masango (Randers FC, Denmark), Keagan Dolly, Hlompho Kekana (both Mamelodi Sundowns), May Mahlangu (Sint-Truiden, Turkey), Thapelo Morena (Bloemfontein Celtic), Dean Furman (SuperSport United)
Strikers: Thamsanqa Gabuza (Orlando Pirates), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Bidvest Wits), Ndumiso Mabena (Platinum Stars), Thobani Mncwango (Polokwane City)