Bucs back in Bafana squad

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund on Monday has named nine Orlando Pirates players in his squad to take on Swaziland in an international friendly on November 15.

"I'm happy to finally be able to select Orlando Pirates players, all nine of them deserve to be in my squad," Igesund said in Johannesburg.

Having been unavailable for selection owing to their Caf Champions League commitments, Igesund had now received the green light to include the Pirates players.

With the second leg of the Champions League final to be played in Egypt on Sunday, Igesund called-up the likes of Rooi Mahamutsa, Happy Jele, Daine Klate and Thabo Matlaba for the game at the National Stadium in the Swazi capital, Mbabane, the following week.

One notable omission from Igesund’s squad was Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, who had been given a rest for the Swaziland clash.

Pirates’ Senzo Meyiwa looked likely to start in goal, with SuperSport United shot-stopper Ronwen Williams the only other keeper in the squad.

Igesund made it clear, however, the squad he named on Monday was only for the Swaziland clash and confirmed he would name a second squad for the November 19 fixture against Spain on Thursday.

The former Moroka Swallows boss earlier said he would name his strongest possible team for the clash against the world champions.

Bafana squad:

Goalkeepers:
Senzo Meyiwa, Ronwen Williams

Defenders:
Thabo Nthethe, Tshepo Gumede, Tefu Mashamaite, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Rooi Mahamutsa, Tsepo Masilela, Thabo Matlaba, Happy Jele

Midfielders:
Andile Jali, Hlompho Kekana, Oupa Manyisa, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Bongani Zungu, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Lerato Chabangu, Daine Klate, Thuso Phala, Siphiwe Tshabalala

Strikers:
Lennox Bacela, Bernard Parker, Kermit Erasmus, Edward Manqele