Meyiwa gets Bafana call-up

Durban - Belgium-based midfielder Ayanda Patosi and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa are the two uncapped players named in the Bafana Bafana squad to face Malawi in a friendly match in Durban next week.

Coach Gordon Igesund also included defender Siyanda Xulu, who plays his football in Russia, in the 24-man list, while Kaizer Chiefs fullback Tsepo Masilela and Orlando Pirates midfielder Daine Klate return after long absences from the national set-up.

Igesund said he would once again be using the Malawi clash to fine-tune his squad ahead of next year's Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament.

"I have been using the past five matches to look at various players and this one against Malawi is no different," Igesund said on Tuesday.

"The only difference is that this is the last chance for me and my technical team to have a final look at what we have at our disposal.

"Time for observing and assessing the players is almost over, and I believe this match will give us an indication of where we are and where we are going."

Katlego Mphela was named among a group of 12 players that will be added to the squad after the December 22 friendly at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The Mamelodi Sudowns striker recently returned from a six-month spell on the sidelines due to knee surgery.

The other players that will link up with the team are Darren Keet, Eric Mathoho, Anele Ngcongca, Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Bongani Khumalo, Ricardo Nunes, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Dean Furman, Thulani Serero and Benni McCarthy.

The final 23-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations will be announced on December 30.

Meanwhile, SA Football Association (SAFA) chief executive Robin Petersen said he was pleased to be back in Durban and was looking forward to the Moses Mabhida Stadium hosting the fixture.

"It's fantastic to be back at this magnificent and world class venue that is the Moses Mabhida Stadium," Petersen said.

"As SAFA we are well aware that football has a special place in this part of the world, and it is no surprise that Bafana Bafana have always enjoyed great support in this City and the Province in general."

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Senzo Meyiwa.

Defenders: Siyabonga Sangweni, Bevan Fransman, Thabo Nthethe, Thabo Matlaba, Siyanda Xulu, Tsepo Masilela, Siboniso Gaxa.

Midfielders: Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Lerato Chabangu, Oupa Manyisa, Thuso Phala, Sifiso Myeni, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Delron Buckley, Ayanda Patosi, May Mahlangu, Thanduyise Khuboni, Dane Klate.

Strikers: Bernard Parker, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Tokelo Rantie.