Rantie withdrawn from Bafana squad

Cape Town - Tokelo Rantie has been withdrawn from the national team squad to face Gambia and Angola, after failing to join the team's camp in Durban.

Bafana Bafana management confirmed the news on Thursday.

"Striker Tokelo Rantie has been withdrawn from Bafana Bafana squad and will be replaced by Thami Gabuza of Orlando Pirates who is on his way" tweeted the national team's official Twitter account.

Gabuza will link up the Bafana Bafana squad on the back of his brilliant performance for Orlando Pirates against AS Kaloum last weekend, where the 27-year-old striker bagged a brace.

Preparations for the side's first AFCON 2017 qualifier against Gambia have not gone smoothly for the national team.

Tefu Mashamaite, Dean Furman, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Mzikayise Mashaba were withdrawn before the squad began training while Thulani Hlatshwayo and Oupa Manyisa have struggled with "tight muscles" in the buildup to the fixture.

Two players, Thuso Phala and Brilliant Khuzwayo, have also been struggling to overcome flu and are in doubt for the match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Kick-off on Saturday is scheduled for 15:00.