Ndlovu gets Bafana nod

Sao Paulo - Striker Dino Ndlovu and midfielder Dean Furman were set to make their maiden appearances for Bafana Bafana on Friday night.

Ndlovu, who turns out for English side Oldham Athletic, and Furman, who plays for Israeli giants Maccabi Haifa, were the only new caps included by Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund for the international friendly against Brazil in Sao Paulo.

Igesund said defender Bongani Khumalo would wear the captain's armband in place of injured regular skipper Steven Pienaar.

"This is the start, going forward towards the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations," Igesund said after naming his first starting XI since he took charge of the national team in June.

"This is an attacking side and I'm confident they will play well." Kagisho Dikgacoi and Lerato Shabangu, both recalled to the national squad after lengthy periods in the wilderness, were also included in the starting team, along with Siboniso Gaxa, who received a late call-up as a replacement for injured defender Anele Ngcongca.

South Africa have never beaten Brazil's national senior team, and while Igesund was more concerned with the players producing a strong challenge against the hosts, he said they were hoping to cause an upset against the five-time world champions.

In an agreement with Brazilian team management, Igesund said all of the other 14 players in the squad would be on the bench.

Bafana Bafana starting XI:

Itumeleng Khune, Bongani Khumalo (captain), Siyabonga Sangweni, Siboniso Gaxa, Punch Masenamela, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Dean Furman, Lerato Shabangu, Thulai Serero, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Dino Ndlovu.