Mashaba tweaks Bafana squad

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has made a number of changes to the original Nelson Mandela Challenge squad ahead of Sunday's match against Cote d'Ivoire at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

With the match not falling on a FIFA calendar, some clubs have refused to release players, although most have given Mashaba their support.

Kaizer Chiefs are the only club not to have released their players, while Orlando Pirates' Oupa Manyisa has been excused in order to recuperate.

Meanwhile, Mashaba brought in Brandon Petersen, Abbubakar Mobara and Thami Sangweni (all Ajax Cape Town), Chris Komane (Chippa United), Phumlani Ntshangase (Wits), Motjeka Madisha (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Siphelele Luthuli (University of Pretoria).

"People are aware that this match falls outside the FIFA calendar and that is why we want to thank all clubs that have made their players available," Mashaba said.

Despite the minor setbacks of certain players withdrawing, Mashaba said the match remained important ahead of next January's Africa Cup of Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea.

"There is no national team match that is less important," he said.

"Over the years we have seen the countries that come out to play against Bafana Bafana in this competition and it shows how big the Nelson Mandela Challenge has become and we can't take this match lightly.

"But what we would like to see is that it becomes an official match in our league here at home and also on the Fifa calendar."

Bafana Bafana squad:

Goalkeepers: Brandon Peterson, Jackson Mabokgwane, Dumisani Msibi

Defenders: Siyabonga Nhlapho, Patrick Phungwayo, Motjeka Madisha, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Kwandakwentsizwa Mngonyama, Phumlani Ntshangase, Christopher Komane, Siyabonga Zulu

Midfielders: Themba Zwane, Siphelele Luthuli, Abbubaker Mobara, Vuyisile Wana, Fagrie Lakay, Thami Sangweni, Bongani Zungu, Asavela Mbekile

Strikers: Siyanda Ngubo, Puleng Tlolane, David Zulu, Lerato Lamola.