Mosimane loses Bafana stars

Johannesburg - Pitso Mosimane has had to call up five new players for the upcoming friendlies with Equatorial Guinea, Zambia and Ghana after Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows withdrew their players from the national squad.

The newcomers are: goalkeepers Darren Keet (Kortrijk, Belgium) and Brilliant Khuzwayo (Thanda Royal Zulu), defenders Ayanda Gcaba (Free State Stars) and Wayne Arendse (Santos), and midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi (Bidvest Wits).

Those denied permission by their clubs include Wayne Sandilands, Katlego Mphela, Teko Modise, Themba Zwane, Thanduyise Khuboni, Siyabonga Sangweni, Andile Jali, Moeneeb Josephs, Daine Klate and Oupa Manyisa, as well as Belgium-based defender Anele Ngcongca.

Kaizer Chiefs winger Siphiwe Tshabalala will also play no part as he undergoes a 10-day trial with Championship side Crystal Palace.

Mosimane said: "We have had to call up additional players to fill the gap created by the non-availability of some players. It is a blow not to have some of our regular players but this will give others an opportunity to prove their mettle."

SAFA acting president Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana says the clubs are entitled to withdraw their players as the fixtures fall outside of the FIFA calendar.

"The South African Football Association was fully aware that the proposed friendly fixtures fell out of the FIFA calendar and, as a result, posed challenges with regards to player release," he said.

"But as an association we are happy that we are still able to help the coach with his plans of preparing the team for AFCON 2013 and 2014 Brazil."

Bafana will visit Equatorial Guinea in Bata on 6 January, with kickoff at 19:30 local time (20:30 SA). The match was originally scheduled for 5 January.

Mosimane's men will then play Zambia in Atteridgeville on 11 January before hosting Ghana in Phokeng on 15 January.

The squad travelling to Equatorial Guinea:

Goalkeepers: Darren Keet and Brilliant Khuzwayo.

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa, Morgan Gould, Ayanda Gcaba, Erick Mathoho, Nazeer Allie, Anele Ngcongca, Rudiger Gilbert and Patrick Phungwayo.

Midfielders: Daylon Claasen, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, George Maluleka, Sibusiso Vilakazi, May Mahlangu, Granwald Scott, Mzikayise Mashaba and George Lebese.

Strikers: Lehlohonolo Majoro, Bradley Grobler, Siyabonga Nontshinga and Ryan Chapman.