Sundowns star Mailula included in Bafana preliminary squad
BAFANA Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named a stacked 35-man preliminary squad ahead of two crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Bafana will face Liberia at Orlando Stadium on Friday, March 24, and then travel to Monrovia to tackle the West Africans on March 28.
Broos has arguably called up the best possible group available at his disposal, a squad that sees 10 players from juggernauts Mamelodi Sundowns, including inspirational youngster Cassius Mailula.
There were no surprises. Brandon Peterson is the only Kaizer Chiefs representative, while Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Miguel Timm and Monnapule Saleng carry the torch for Orlando Pirates.
The squad, which includes the likes of England-based Lyle Foster, Percy Tau and Kobamelo Kodisang – as well as Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who plays in the US – will be trimmed down to the final 23 in the coming week, with expected selection headaches for Broos.
BAFANA BAFANA PRELIMINARY SQUAD Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (Amazulu), Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs), Ricardo Goss (Supersport United)
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala (all Sundowns), Siyanda Msani (Richards Bay), Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Orlando Pirates), Taariq Fielies (Cape Town City), Thapelo Maseko (Supersport United), Siyanda Xulu (Turan Tovus, Azerbaijan)
Midfielders:
Miguel Timm (Pirates), Luke le Roux (Varbergs BOIS, Sweden), Njabulo Blom (St Louis City, USA), Sphephelo Sithole (Belenenses, Portugal), Sphelele Mkhulise, Teboho Mokoena (both Sundowns), Grant Margeman (Supersport)
Forwards: Monnapule Saleng (Pirates), Khanyiso Mayo (CT City), Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows), Themba Zwane, Cassius Mailula (both Sundowns), Zakhele Lepasa (Supersport), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Lyle Foster (Burnley, England), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota, USA), Fagrie Lakay (Pyramids, Egypt), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Kobamelo Kodisang (Moreirense, Portugal)