Bafana door not shut - Mashaba

According to the supersport.com website, Mashaba kept the bulk of the team that played in the Afcon qualifiers where they went unbeaten in six matches. He has named four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 15 midfielders and five strikers. But there were some notable absentees from the squad and this created quite a stir on social media.

However, those not included in the provisional squad will still have time to impress in the final Absa Premiership matches before the break this weekend.

The squad will be trimmed down on Tuesday, 30 December, to the required 23 for the tournament after a mini-training camp that will be held in Johannesburg from December 26.

“The bulk of the boys in the squad are the ones who helped Bafana Bafana to be where it is now and we didn’t want to change much going into AFCON. The bloated squad means we want to give everyone a chance as we don’t have guaranteed places in the team; it is an opportunity for all of them to fight hard for the final spot,” said Mashaba.

“And for those not on the list, we can’t say for sure they are completely out as they also stand a good chance of making it. As you can see most of those on the list have been with us for the last three months or so.”

Bafana Bafana’s opening match of the tournament is against Algeria on Monday, 19 January (9pm SA time), followed by the clash with Senegal on Friday, 23 January (21:00 SA time) with the last group stages match against Ghana on Tuesday, 27 January (20:00 SA time).

South Africa will play all their group stage matches in Mongomo.

Goalkeepers: Darren Keet, Jackson Mabogwane, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Brilliant Khuzwayo

Defenders: Siyabonga Nhlapho, Patrick Phungwayo, Anele Ngcongca, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Kwandakwentsizwa Mngonyama, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Erick Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thabo Matlaba, Mzikayise Mashaba

Midfielders: Themba Zwane, Andile Jali, Asavele Mbekile, Vuyisile Wana, Jabulani Shongwe, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Bongani Zungu, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Dean Furman, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Oupa Manyisa, Mondli Cele, Mandla Masango, Thulani Serero, Thuso Phala

Strikers: Ayanda Patosi, Bernard Parker, David Zulu, Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula