Tshabalala latest oldie to Bafana rescue
Shabba ’s surprise return puts him in line for World Cup spot
The recent recall of Kaizer Chiefs midfielder stalwart Siphiwe Tshabalala to Bafana Bafana capped one of the most memorable comebacks to the national side.
Shabba ended a three-year absence from Bafana when he was selected to Stuart Baxter’s preliminary 26-man squad to face Senegal in a two-legged 2018 World Cup qualifying tie on November 10 and 14. The 33-year-old, with 88 Bafana caps to his name, was last picked when Bafana were demolished 5-0 by Brazil in 2014.
We look at other players in the past who, when it was thought that their international careers were over, made a surprise return to the national team.
Morgan Gould
The veteran defender was the first to rise from the ashes this year. Gould got the nod from Baxter for the World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde last month. Prior to that he had last played for Bafana in June 2013 in a 2-0 World Cup qualifier win over the Central African Republic.
Lerato Chabangu
After a four-year absence, Chabangu was recalled to the team to take on Brazil in September 2012. Having been given a lifeline at Moroka Swallows by coach Gordon Igesund, the mentor showed his faith in Chabangu by recalling him to Bafana.
Siyabonga Nomvethe
Bhele returned to the national team for the World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Botswana in May 2012.
Pitso Mosimane was struggling to find a lethal striker to lead his attack when Nomvethe raised his hand that season with a superb campaign with Swallows after last featuring in the 2010 World Cup.
Benni McCarthy
Remember when Benni lasted 10 minutes against Brazil in 2012?
The former Orlando Pirates striker was recalled by Igesund for the clash in Sao Paulo following a spate of injuries to strikers.
McCarthy had been out of the side for two years at the time, having last featured for Bafana prior to the 2010 World Cup when he was dropped by Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Teko Modise
The “General” made a comeback to Bafana for an African Cup of Nations qualifier in 2011 against Niger after nearly a year out of the team.
‘‘ The 33-year-old was last picked when Brazil beat Bafana in 2014