Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele has named his final 23-member squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup next week.
Mkhalele had announced a 50-man preliminary squad a week ago after Bafana’s group-stage opponents were confirmed.
The tournament which consists of local-based players will take place in Gqeberha at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It will run from Wednesday, 26 June to Sunday, 7 July, 2024.
In last year’s edition in KZN, SA finished third under the guidance of Jwaneng Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli.
As hosts, Helman Mkhalele and his charges are in Group A, they will face their neighbours Mozambique, Eswatini, and Botswana.
BAFANA BAFANA FINAL SQUAD FOR COSAFA CUP
GOALKEEPERS
Mondli Mpoto [Royal AM], Olwethu Mzimela [AmaZulu FC], Samukelo Xulu [SuperSport United]
DEFENDERS
Keanu Cupido [Cape Town City FC] Thabo Moloisane and Athenkosi Mcaba [both Stellenbosch FC], Thabang Matuludi [Polokwane City FC], Rushwin Dortley [Cape Town Spurs], Malebogo Modise [Mamelodi Sundowns], Sirgio Kammies [Chippa United]
MIDFIELDERS
Brooklyn Poggenpoel [Chippa United], Jaedin Rhodes [Cape Town City FC], Ethan Brooks [AmaZulu FC], Antonio van Wyk Stellenbosch FC], Liam Bern [Cape Town Spurs].
ATTACKERS
Devin Titus [Stellenbosch FC], Mfundo Thikazi [Royal AM], Asanele Velebayi and Ashley Cupido [both Cape Town Spurs], Tshepang Moremi [AmaZulu FC], Thabang Sibanyoni [University of Pretoria], Sinoxolo Kwayiba [Chippa United], Yanela Mbuthuma [Richards Bay FC].
PLAYERS THAT MISSED OUT
Three goalkeepers Melusi Buthelezi and Sipho Chaine [both Orlando Pirates] and Bruce Bvuma [Kaizer Chiefs] missed out. At the back, Zuko Mdunyelwa [Mamelodi Sundowns], Thabiso Monyane and Thabo Sesane [both Orlando Pirates], Dean van Rooyen and Fawaaz Basadien [both Stellenbosch FC], Khulekani Shezi [Royal AM], Macbeth Mahlangu and Samukelo Kabini [both TS Galaxy], Simphiwe Mcineka [Richards Bay FC], Keegan Allan and Balil Baloyi [both SuperSport United] and Bradley Cross [Golden Arrows] didn’t make it.
In the midfield, Thalente Mbatha [Orlando Pirates], Luvuyo Phewa, Siphesihle Maduna and Chumani Butsaka [all Cape Town Spurs], Siphesihle Mkhize [Sekhukhune United], Samkelo Zwane and Mduduzi Shabalala [both Kaizer Chiefs], Puso Dithejane [TS Galaxy] and Rowan Human [AmaZulu FC] failed to make the final cut. Lastly in attack, Relebohile Mofokeng [Orlando Pirates], Mokibelo Ramabu [Polokwane City FC], Kamogelo Sebelebele and Lehlohonolo Mojela [TS Galaxy], Siyabonga Mabena and Lesiba Nku [both Mamelodi Sundowns], Shandre Campbell [SuperSport United] and Lungelo Nguse [Golden Arrows] were all omitted.
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