Share

Tshabalala to captain Bafana

Johannesburg - Siphiwe Tshabalala, who scored the opening goal at last year's World Cup, will captain South Africa in their African Nations Cup qualifier in Niger next week in the absence of the injured Steven Pienaar, officials said.

Tshabalala, whose left-footed thunderbolt against Mexico at Soccer City was chosen as one of FIFA's goals of the year, stands in for the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, who is expected to be sidelined for the next month after suffering a pre-season injury.

Pienaar is one of three South African international based in England, who will miss the game because of injury and are absent from a 24-man squad named by coach Pitso Mosimane.

Kagisho Dikgacoi of Crystal Palace and Davide Somma of Leeds United have also been ruled out of the match in Niamey on Sept. 4.

An away win for South Africa would confirm their place at next year's Nations Cup tournament, which is being co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE