South Africa’s national team coach, Hugo Broos, has made the decision to include Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane for the first time since taking over the reigns last year.
Time and again, Broos has been asked why he has not been selecting Zwane in his Bafana Bafana squads, and the Belgian insisted that he would not include the experienced campaigner in the team.
Broos, however, has surprisingly changed his mind and has selected Zwane for the upcoming international friendlies against Sierra Leone and Botswana. South Africa are scheduled to play Sierra Leone at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 24 September, and then take on Botswana three days later at the same venue.
Zwane has been consistent for Sundowns and will be the most experienced player in the side currently selected by Broos.
The Belgian coach is hoping Zwane can transfer his club form to the national team, as he continues to build the South African national team.
Broos has also included Mihlali Mayambela for the first time. Mayambela recently made a move to Cyprus after a spell in the Portuguese second tier with Farense. The speedy winger will have an opportunity to impress Broos, so that he can get more opportunities in the senior side in future.
Bafana squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Melusi Buthelezi (TS Galaxy)
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City), Thibang Phete (Al Bataeh, United Arab Emirates), Rushine de Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders: Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Stellenbosch FC), Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates), Sphephelo Sithole (Belenenses, Portugal), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Luke le Roux (Varbergs BoIS, Sweden)
Strikers: Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City), Lyle Foster (KVC Westerlo, Belgium), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows), Kgaogelo Sekgota (Kaizer Chiefs)
