Wits’ versatile central midfielder, Matthew Pattison, has been called up to Bafana Bafana to replace Mamelodi Sundowns’ Jabulani Shongwe in the national team squad. Shongwe has picked up a groin injury and Pattison has been earmarked as his replacement.
Bafana are due to take part in the upcoming CHAN tournament this month and will play their first game against Mozambique on Saturday (January 11).
The Siya crew got in touch with Pattison who revealed he was currently at the airport and was expected to arrive in Cape Town at 14h00 to join up with the national team.
He said, “Ja, I’m at the airport now. I found out last night that I had been called up. It’s been a while since I last played and it feels good to be called up again. I’m hopeful if I play a few games and do well then maybe I can get myself in the framework for future squads. I’m not assuming I will play but I will do my best. It’s also a good thing to get game time before the PSL re-starts again, you know.”
The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs, Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Defenders:
Tefu Mashamaite, Tsepo Gumede, Thabo Nthethe, Tebogo Langerman, Vuyo Mere, Bryce Moon, Kwanda Mngonyama, Thato Mokeke, Buhle Mkhwanazi.
Midfielders:
Hlompho Kekana, Asavela Mbekile, Lerato Chabangu, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Matthew Pattison, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Ryan Chapman.
Forwards:
Bernard Parker, Edward Manqele, Katlego Mashego.
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