Orlando Pirates star player Patrick Maswanganyi, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma and Khanyisa Mayo have made the Bafana Bafana final squad for the upcoming Fifa Series.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos announced the 23-man squad during a press conference held at the SABC headquarters in Johannesburg on Monday.
Algeria is set to host the African part of the new pilot project by the world’s football mother body between March 21 and March 26.
The 20-team invitational tournament will also be taking place in Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka.
Maswanganyi’s inclusion in the final squad will excite a lot of football followers as the coach has had to field questions about why the player was overlooked in the recent past.
The exciting attacking midfielder has been a marvel to watch since his switch from SuperSport United to the Sea Robbers at the beginning of the season.
He was once again the star when Pirates defeated bitter rivals Chiefs 3-2 in the DStv Premiership at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
Broos also brought back shot-stopper Bvuma to the national team ahead of regular Bafana’s number two Veli Mothwa.
Mothwa played his first match this year for AmaZulu FC in a one-all draw against SuperSport on Saturday.
Bafana Bafana squad for the FIFA Series
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 11, 2024
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Before the Soweto derby at the weekend, Bvuma had played well for Chiefs, conceding just one goal in seven outings.
Another exciting inclusion in Broos’ final squad is that of Roman-based defender Siyabonga Ngezana.
The former Chiefs defender has had a start to remember in Europe where he is playing for FCSB.
Mayo, one of the surprise exclusions from the Africa Cup of Nations final squad, is back in the team.
Bafana kicked off their campaign against Europe’s Andorra at Annaba’s 19 May 1956 Stadium on March 21.
Broos’ men will wrap up their trip with an exciting clash against the host at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on March 26.
Bafana Bafana 23-man squad:
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams, Bruce Bvuma, Ricardo Goss
Defenders:
Sydney Mobbie, Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Thapelo Morena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki
Midfielders:
Teboho Mokoena, Siphephelo Sithole, Goodman Mosele, Grant Margeman
Forwards:
Themba Zwane, Patrick Maswanganyi, Oswin Appollis, Mihlali Mayambela, Mlondi Mbanjwa, Elias Mokwana, Iqraam Rayners, Khanyisa Mayo
