With the COSAFA Cup scheduled for Durban from 04 until 17 July, just a few weeks away, the Siya crew has been informed that a shock decision has been taken with regards to the head coach role for the South African men's team.
It was confirmed that current Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos would not form part of the technical team to take part in the COSAFA Cup and CHAN qualifiers, with National Under-23 coach David Notoane expected to lead the team.
However, just days before the team are set to assemble, the Siya crew has learnt that Notoane will in fact not be the head coach for the tournament.
According to Siya sources, Notoane has been informed that Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele would be the man in charge, despite majority of the squad comprising of Notoane's under-23 players.
Reasons for the decision had not been clarified.
Bafana are the COSAFA Cup defending champions after they beat Senegal in Gqeberha last year and will meat Mozambique in the quarter-finals on 13 July, the semi-final will be decided thereafter.
Bafana Bafana released a preliminary squad of 32 players:
Goalkeepers: Lincoln Vyver (Cape Town Spurs), Bontle Molefe (Kaizer Chiefs), Smandla Nzimela (AmaZulu), Lebohang Nthene (Stellenbosch), Lindokuhle Ndyenga (Bush Pirates, Eastern Cape)
Defenders: Sbonele Cele (Golden Arrows), Athenkosi Mcaba (Stellenbosch), Kamogelo Mahlangu, (TS Galaxy), Keegan Johannes (SuperSport United), Zuko Madunyelwa (Chippa United), Siyanda Msani (University of Pretoria), Wayne Dortley (Cape Town Spurs), Liam de Kock (Stellenbosch), Khulekani Shezi (Royal AM), Nelson Ralenkoane (Orlando Pirates), Simanyi Sajani (Bush Pirates)
Midfielders: Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch), Ethan Brooks (Galaxy), Sydney Malivha, Dan Ndlovu (both Baroka FC), Selaelo Rasebotja, Thapelo Maseko (both SuperSport United), Rowan Human (Maritzburg United), Kagiso Shezi (Uthongathi), Chumani Busaka (Cape Town Spurs), Sifiso Mbidana (Bizana Pondo Chiefs)
Strikers: Ntiyiso Bombi, Thuso Mogale (both Baroka), Azola Matrose (Chippa United), Antonio van Wijk (Stellenbosch), Keletso Sifama (Chiefs), Boitumelo Radiopane (Pirates), Hamilton Khohlakala (Bazuka United, Western Cape)
Have a look at some of the Bafana coaches since 1992...
