Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba has announced a squad of 25 players to face Burkina Faso in the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifiers and Ghana in an international friendly game.
Bafana play The Stallions in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifiers on Saturday, 8 October 2016 at Stade Du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Kickoff is at 18h00 local time (20h00 SA time).
Three days later (11 Octomber 2016), Bafana will face Ghana in an international friendly match that will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban. Kickoff is at 19h00.
Mashaba says a positive start is very important as it sets the tone.
“It is imperative that we have a flying start against Burkina Faso, we all saw what happened with the 2017 AFCON qualifiers that the first match is always the most important one as it sets the tone for the rest of the qualifiers. Anything other than a win in Burkina Faso will have us playing catch up and it is never an easy task for any country,” said Mashaba.
Full SQUAD:
Goalkeepers:
Itumeleng Khune, Brighton Mhlongo, Jackson Mabokgwane.
Defenders:
Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Eric Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Abbubakar Mobara, Diamond Thopola, Tebogo Langerman.
Midfielders:
Dean Furman, May Mahlangu, Thulani Serero, Oupa Manyisa, Ayanda Patosi, Keagan Dolly, Aubrey Modiba, Mpho Makola, Hlompho Kekana.
Strikers:
Eleazar Rodgers, Tokelo Rantie, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Thobani Mncwango, Sibusiso Vilakazi.
Written by: Diski Voice
