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Shakes' Bafana bank on youth

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has named several youngsters in his squad for the next two Caf Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Sudan and Nigeria, in the hope of building a team for the future.

South Africa face Sudan in Khartoum on September 5 before returning home to take on Nigeria at the Cape Town Stadium on September 10.

"If we look from now until 2022...that made us take into consideration the age group we need in this team," Mashaba said in Cape Town on Friday.

"I think this is what our future should be based on -- the youth of the country.

"Yes we want results, but let's build up for the future so we come up with sustainable results. We need more consistency.

"Everybody loves a winner. We might be restructuring and building up for 2022, but at the same time we need to get results. We have the Afcon, the World Cup, the Olympics -- all of these become springboards for the 2022 World Cup."

Nhlakanipho Ntuli, Siyanda Ngubo, Ayabulela Magqwaka and Dumisani Msibi, all named in the squad, played under Mashaba in the South Africa under-20 side which the coach leaves to take up his Bafana appointment.

Magqwaka, Ajax Cape Town's untested central defender, has played only a handful of matches in the premier league and has yet to feature for the Urban Warriors this season.

"We know what Ayabulela can offer because he has been with the under-20s. He’s a very good player and we cannot omit him just because he doesn’t play for his club," Mashaba said.

There was also a call-up for Chippa United's David Zulu, the top goal-scorer in the National First Division last season, but who has only three games to his credit in top-flight soccer.

"[Zulu] has been the top goal-scorer in the second division last season, so why don’t we use him in Bafana Bafana as well," he said.

"Maybe he’ll solve our problem of not having goal scorers in the national team."

A decision was still to be made on the captaincy as Mashaba revealed the position was still up for grabs.

"We have got to meet them first and look at them. It's about leadership -- you don’t choose anyone to do that.

"How does he deal with his players’ problems, how does he communicate with the technical staff, is he able to carry the coaches instructions to the game? We have to assess all of this."

South Africa squad:

Goalkeepers:
Itumeleng Khune, Senzo Meyiwa, Dumisani Msibi

Defenders:
Anele Ngcongca, Ayabulela Magqwaka, Sibusiso Khumalo, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhlebuyeza Mkhwanazi, Erick Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Ramahlwe Mphahlele

Midfielders:
Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Dean Furman, Ayanda Patosi, Mandla Masango, Keagan Dolly, Kamohelo Mokotjo

Strikers:
Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula, Bonginkosi Ntuli, David Zulu

On standby: Darren Keet, Ronwen Williams, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Bongani Zungu, Jabulani Shongwe, George Lebese, Percy Tau, Nhlakanipho Ntuli, Siyanda Ngubo.

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