David Notoane, the U23 national team coach in charge of Bafana Bafana's COSAFA Cup squad, has singled out six players he feels could have an outside chance to make the Africa Cup Nations team tomorrow.
After he'd guided them to the Plate crown in the annual regional tournament in Durban on Friday, Notoane was asked whether he'd spoken to Stuart Baxter – head coach of the senior national team – about players with hopes of being selected in the final 23 heading to Egypt.
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"We haven't really had direct discussions with coach Stuart in terms of possibilities and players who would be joining the AFCON camp. But there are a few boys who have raised their hands," Notoane told the media.
"Kamohelo Mahlatsi, Grant Margeman, Mondli Mpoto, Luther Singh, Teboho Mokoena and Athenkosi Dlala – so it's a good headache for myself and coach Stuart to really interact on that. But it depends on his needs."
A decision was taken to allow Notoane use the COSAFA Cup to prepare for the Olympic qualifiers with his U23 team, while Baxter concentrates on the build-up to the AFCON in Egypt later this month.
Bafana will face Ivory Coast, Namibia and Morocco in Group D and the coach is expected to announce his final squad on Sunday afternoon.
"He (Baxter) has already mentioned, and the boys know this – that the whole point of being called up to the AFCON is not to stake a claim for the matches, but for experience and to be integrated slowly," said Notoane.
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