Igesund in surprise call-up for Zwane

BAFANA Bafana coach Gordon Igesund expects to have some withdrawals from the 18-man squad he named yesterday for the team’s tour of Australia and New Zealand next month.

Igesund included in-form Mpumalanga Black Aces forward Themba Zwane but excused Doncaster Rovers stalwart Dean Furman, who may need a groin operation. Ajax Amsterdam forward Thulani Serero, who ended a self-imposed exile after last month’s 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Brazil, has been included.

The coach said question marks remain over FC Rostov defender Siyanda Xulu and Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi, who have been included but may have problems being released.

Bafana’s games against Australia in Sydney on Monday May 26, and against New Zealand in Auckland on Friday May 30 do not fall on Fifa international dates. “It’s not a Fifa weekend so there are a few players who are not available from Europe,” said Igesund.

Zwane, the on-loan forward to Aces from Mamelodi Sundowns, has been selected on form and after some rave reviews from club coach Clive Barker. “I’ve chatted to Clive, but even before we had noticed him,” said Igesund.

“I agree with Clive – he’s done very well for Aces. But also he gives me options in that I can only take 18 players, rather than the normal 23, and we’ve got two games. Zwane’s been playing on the wings, and in the last two games at playmaker.”

Igesund said the squad being named a full month-and-a-half before its departure has nothing to do with the results of a Safa inquiry being concluded next week into whether the coach influenced players to rebel on bonuses.

“The squad has been announced early because we have to get visas for two countries, can take time.”

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