Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund, has named his squad for their upcoming friendly matches against Australia and New Zealand, with Themba Zwane the surprise inclusion.
AmaZayoni coach, Clive Barker, has been calling for the midfielder to get a shot after some outstanding performances for Mpumalanga Black Aces this season, and it seems that Igesund has been listening.
The Bafana coach will be without Dean Furman, Darren Keet and Daylon Claasen for the encounters as they are unavailable, with the squad boasting an average age of 24.
Bafana will take on Australia at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney on May 26, at 11:30 SA time, before meeting New Zealand at the Smart Stadium in Auckland on May 30, at 09:30 SA time.
With the games still some time away though, there could yet be changes to the teams that actually jets out of the country.
"I've got a nicely balanced squad. It's not a FIFA weekend, so some players aren't available for selection. The Average age is 24," said Igesund at the press conference.
"We've announced the team early because we still have to get visas and that can take a bit of time. There may be injuries.
"I'm hoping the PSL, players and clubs will support us, but there may be one or two withdrawals. We do have plans for that."
The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Ronwen Williams.
Defenders: Anelel Ngcongca, Thabo Nthethe, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Siyanda Xulu, Thabo Matlaba, Tsepo Masilela.
Midfielders: Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali, Bongani Zungu, Themba Zwane, Oupa Manyisa, Thulani Serero, Ayanda Patosi, Siphiwe Tshabalala.
Strikers: Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie.
