Johannesburg – Thulani Serero is back in the Bafana Bafana mix after the Ajax Amsterdam playmaker was recalled by Shakes Mashaba for South Africa's back-to-back 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo-Brazzaville in October.
Serero missed out on selection in September as Bafana began their qualification campaign with a 3-0 win over Sudan in Khartoum, before they were held by defending champions, Nigeria, in Cape Town five days later.
Joining Serero in the squad is Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus, who also missed the last squad.
Serero was part of former coach Gordon Igesund's last two games against Australia and New Zealand, but missed Mashaba's first squad.
Erasmus, meanwhile, last played for Bafana in November 2013 in an international friendly against Swaziland. He has missed seven national team games since then.
Mashaba kept the core of the squad that took part against Sudan and Nigeria, with 19 of those members present this time around.
Mashaba made seven changes in total. Maritzburg United defender, Kwanda Mngonyama, who is on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, was the big winner in defence, earning a call-up after a stellar last season at Wits, while also having made a solid start with the Team of Choice.
Tefu Mashamaite has also been recalled and will link up with Kaizer Chiefs teammate Erick Mathoho.
Reneilwe Letsholonyane is also back in the squad. He and Serero are the only new midfielders, with talented youngster Kamohelo Mokotjo dropping out.
Up front, Erasmus joins the squad having enjoyed a stunning start to the new league season. The former SuperSport United attacker has netted five goals in 10 outings so far.
Mashaba has once again called on members of his under-20 squad and including Santos striker Fagrie Lakay, with whom he worked at junior levels.
South Africa squad: Goalkeepers: Senzo Meyiwa, Darren Keet, Dumisani Msibi.
Defenders: Anele Ngcongca, Ayabulela Magqwaka, Sibusiso Khumalo, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Kwanda Mngonyama, Erick Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Tefu Mashamaite.
Midfielders: Andile Jali, Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Oupa Manyisa, Dean Furman, Thulani Serero, Mandla Masango, Keagan Dolly, Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
Strikers: Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula, Kermit Erasmus, Fagrie Lakay. – Sapa