CHANCE FOR FRINGE PLAYERS TO SHINE |

BAFANA Bafana have suffered a number of injuries to key players ahead of Sunday’s Nelson Mandela Challenge clash with Mali.

The team touched down in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday and held their first training session yesterday.

Thamsanqa Mkhize and Bongani Zungu have been withdrawn from the squad due to injuries while Dean Furman, Eric Mathoho, Lebo Mothiba and Percy Tau are walking wounded.

While this is no ideal situation for Molefi Ntseki to start his tenure as head coach, the unavailability of regulars opens the door for fringe players to raise their hand for consideration.

Three players in particular have been impressive at club level and will be itching to shine in national team colours should they be given a run.

Thapelo Morena:

The Mamelodi Sundowns wingback is likely to start in the absence of Mkhize who has made the right back position his own in recent months. Morena is known for his pace which often sees him make dangerous overlaps that are completed with telling crosses for his teammates to finish off.

He boasts international experience having been a vital cog for Sundowns the past two years in the Caf Champions League. The game against Mali will be a great audition for Morena to stake his claim ahead of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana and Sudan next month.

Innocent Maela:

Sifiso Hlanti has been a consistent feature for the past 12 months, making Maela play second fiddle. With Hlanti still injured, the Orlando Pirates left back gets the chance to put his hand up and show why he should be in the starting 11 next month when Bafana lock horns with Ghana and Sudan.

Bradley Grobler:

The Supersport United marksman is scoring goals as though there are no defenders in front of him.

He was the hero this past weekend when Supersport were crowned the champions of the MTN8. His solitary strike proved to be the winner for Matsatsantsa a Pitori against Highlands Park at Orlando Stadium.

Grobler has already notched five goals in the league so far. With Mothiba in doubt for the game on Sunday, Grobler is a firm favourite to lead the attack.

He will be hoping to transfer his scoring prowess at club level to the national team.