Pitso challenges young guns

Johannesburg - South Africa boss Pitso Mosimane has challenged his young players to make a statement in Tuesday's friendly with Zimbabwe.

Mosimane, whose men recently drew with African giants Ivory Coast, will field an experimental side against the Warriors at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.

"This is a regional derby, we know," the Bafana tactician said.

"I compare this game to the one we played against Tanzania where we gave players first caps.

"We play a team that has been there together and played in the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, and we know 80 percent of their squad play in South Africa.

"Besides, with the likes of Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, we are not talking about a convincing win for us here.

"We should go out there and see what our youngsters are made of.

"Let's give them a chance and take things one step at a time."

The former SuperSport United coach will be without most of his senior players, such as Steven Pienaar, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Anele Ngcongca, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siyabonga Sangweni, Tsepo Masilela and Siboniso Gaxa.

Fringe players expected to benefit include defenders Punch Masenamela and Bevan Fransman, strikers Bradley Grobler and Siyabonga Nontshinga, midfielders George Lebese and George Maluleka, as well as goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands.