Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund has announced a mainly youthful 20-man squad that will take part in the COSAFA Cup Zambia 2013 tournament to be held from 6 to 21 July.
The Bafana Bafana mentor said the main aim was to blood youngsters for the next AFCON 2015 and World Cup tournaments.
Orlando Pirates is the only team which the coach decided not to use their players as they will be preparing for a CAF Champions League match on 21 July.
Igesund has given first time call-ups to players like Bloemfontein Celtic’s Ruzaigh Gameldien, Thabani Mthembu and Tshepo Gumede of Platinum Stars, Luyolo Nomandela of Free State Stars, Lebogang Manyama of Ajax Cape Town, Jabulani Shongwe of Mamelodi Sundowns and Ronwen Williams from Supersport United.
“We are preparing players for the
2015 AFCON in Morocco and 2018 World Cup in Russia, so we have to start now. We have also not called up overseas-based players.
“I think this is the cream of the crop of South African football, and if they are to start having the feel of the big stage, this is the time. These guys, if managed properly and continue to work hard, they could be the core of the team in the future. I am confident with players we have selected,” said Igesund.
“I also have my eye on other youngsters like Bongani Zungu of Tuks FC, Sibusiso Vilakazi of Bidvest Wits, Ayanda Patosi and Daylon Claasen who I have not called up. We have talent in abundance in this country.”
The squad assembles on Wednesday, 10 July 2013, and fly directly to Lusaka, Zambia for their training camp.
Bafana Bafana’s first match is on Saturday, 13 July.
Bafana Bafana squad for COSAFA Cup:
NO.
PLAYER’S NAME
CLUB
GOALKEEPERS: 1.
Wayne SANDILANDS
Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
2.
Ronwen WILLIAMS
Supersport United FC (SA)
DEFENDERS: 3.
Bevan FRANSMAN
Supersport United FC (SA)
4.
Thabo NTHETHE
Bloemfontein Celtics (SA)
5.
Tefo MASHAMAITE
Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
6.
Eric MATHOHO
Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
7.
Thulani HLATSHWAYO
Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)
8.
Tebogo LANGERMAN
Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
9.
Tshepo GUMEDE
Platinum Stars FC (SA)
MIDFIELDERS:
10.
Reneilwe LETSHOLONYANE
Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
11.
Siphiwe TSHABALALA
Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
12.
Hlompho KEKANA Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
13.
Lebogang MANYAMA
Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)
14.
Luyolo NOMANDELA
Free State Stars FC (SA)
15.
Jabulani SHONGWE
Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
16.
Ruzaigh GAMILDIEN
Bloemfontein Celtics FC (SA)
STRIKERS:
17.
Katlego MASHEGO
Moroka Swallows FC (SA)
18.
Kermit ERASMUS
Supersport United FC (SA)
19.
Bernard PARKER
Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
20.
Thabani MTHEMBU
Platinum Stars FC (SA)
The Guardian 