Igesund alters Bafana squad

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund has called up nine new faces to his travelling squad for the Cosafa Senior Challenge in Zambia.

The changes were necessitated as clubs withdrew players as the tournament does not fall on a Fifa sanctioned date.

"I've had a very tough time over the last five days trying to get the squad together," said Igesund.

"This is not a Fifa weekend or a Fifa tournament and all the clubs had the right to withdraw players.

"We had a squad of 20, nine players withdrew."

Igesund said the clubs had been open with the national coach, and had been accommodating in their negotiations over players.

"I've had great co-operation from all the teams.

"For whatever reasons the clubs have withheld their players and I support that. I don' t think the clubs have to justify themselves for withdrawing."

Igesund felt his side could still compete at the tournament.

"I'm quite happy with the changes that have been made. We want to be competitive and it's a great opportunity for young players."

Igesund said having to make the alterations to his side was still part of his masterplan.

"We've got a masterplan. That's to develop kids that will come through and this is an opportunity for players to play in a tournament that is important."

The former Moroka Swallows boss added that he was yet to name a captain, as he had not had suffecient time -- having only finalised the squad on Tuesday -- to decide on who the best candidate would be.

The tournament in Zambia starts on July 6, with South Africa being handed a bye in the first round. Bafana's first match is on July 13, in Lusaka, where they will face the winners of Group A.

Revised Bafana Bafana squad for the Cosafa Senior Challenge:

Goalkeepers:
Siyabonga Mpontshane - Platinum Stars
Wayne Sandilands - Mamelodi Sundowns
 
Defenders:
Bevan Fransman - SuperSport United
Thulani Hlatshwayo - Ajax Cape Town
Sibusiso Khumalo - SuperSport United
Musa Bilankulu - Golden Arrows
Lehlohonolo Nomyane - Cosmos
Buhle Mkhwanazi - University of Pretoria
Tshepo Gumede - Platinum Stars
 
Midfielders:
Luyolo Nomandela - Free State Stars
Lerato Chabangu - Moroka Swallows
Sibusiso Msomi - Platinum Stars
Hlompho Kekana - Mamelodi Sundowns
Lance Davids - Ajax Cape Town
Jabu Shongwe - Mamelodi Sundowns
Ruzaigh Gamildien - Bloemfontein Celtic
 
Strikers:
Katlego Mashego - Moroka Swallows
Siyabonga Twala - Chippa United
Lebogang Manyama - Ajax Cape Town
Thabani Mthembu - Platinum Stars