Johannesburg - Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune will captain Bafana Bafana against Cameroon in the crucial 2017 Gabon Africa Cup of Nations clash on Saturday, at Stade Limbe Omnisport in Limbe, Cameroon.
Kickoff is at 16h30 South African time (15h30 local time).
Khune returns to goals after he missed South Africa’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola in November last year due to injury.
The defensive duties have been given to Anele Ngcongca at right back, Thabo Matlaba at left back while Thulani Hlatshwayo will partner Erick Mathoho in central defence.
The middle of the park sees the return of Hlompho Kekana who has not played for Bafana Bafana since the goalless draw in the international friendly match against New Zealand in Auckland two years ago (30 May 2015).
Kekana will control the proceedings in the engine room with Andile Jali who recently recovered from a dislocated shoulder. On the wings head coach Shakes Mashaba has opted for Mandla Masango and Mpho Makola, while the duo of Thamsanqa Gabuza and Tokelo Rantie have been tasked with finding goals for Bafana Bafana.
It is four changes from Bafana Bafana’s last match against Angola in Durban – Khune, Ngcongca, Jali and Kekana coming in for Jackson Mabokgwane, Rivaldo Coetzee, Dean Furman and Bongani Zungu.
Two players on the bench could earn their first caps – defender Sifiso Hlanti of Bidvest Wits and striker Prince Nxumalo.
South Africa: Itumeleng Khune (GK) (c), Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Erick Mathoho, Andile Jali, Hlompho Kekana, Mandla Masango, Mpho Makola, Tokelo Rantie, Thamsanqa Gabuza
Subs: Darren Keet, Rivaldo Coetzee, Sifiso Hlanti, Jabulani Shongwe, William Twala, Thulani Serero, Prince Nxumalo
Not considered for this match: Jackson Mabokgwane, Siyabonga Nhlapo, Asavela Mbekile, Cheslyn Jampies, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Themba Zwane, Ndumiso Mabena
African News Agency