Shakes shows Bafana hand

EPHRAIM ‘‘Shakes” Mashaba has sent out an early indicator of his intentions with the national side after he left out a number of top names, picked a player who had knee surgery a month ago and included two youngsters who have not yet played a professional match.

Mashaba announced his squad for the 2015 African Nations Cup clashes away in Sudan and at home to Nigeria and despite the importance of these competitive internationals, has discarded in-form players such as Ajax Amsterdam’s Thulani Serero and May Mahlangu from Goteborg in Sweden and instead opted for players with limited international experience.

It is a serious gamble from a coach who knows he can use the notion he is rebuilding the team for the foreseeable future, though why 24-year-old Serero and Mahlangu, a year older, are not seen as part of that bright new beginning was never properly explained.

Instead, Ayanda Patosi, who has not played a competitive game since May and was again left out of the Lokeren squad for their Uefa Europa League clash with Hull City on Thursday, gets the nod.

“May Mahlangu has been doing well, but then so has Mandla Masango. We are giving everybody a chance.”

He is not kidding. Also included is national U20 captain Ayabulela Magqwaka, currently in the development set-up at Ajax Cape Town, who has not played a professional match. Neither has third-choice goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi, who gets the nod ahead of first-choice at his club, SuperSport United, Ronwen Williams.

Also selected is 17-year-old Ajax defender Rivaldo Coetzee, who will become the youngest ever South African international if he makes it on to the pitch in either game.

There were two surprises up front as well – included is last season’s top-scorer in the National First Division, David Zulu, who has since moved to Chippa United.

There was also a surprise call for AmaZulu’s Bongani Ndulula, who will provide strength up front and can play in a targetman role, but little in the way of scoring pedigree.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Bongi Ntuli and Tokelo Rantie from Bournemouth in England complete the attacking quartet.

The team will assemble on August 31 and leave for Sudan on September 3 ahead of their match in Khartoum two days later. They will return to Johannesburg directly after the game and head straight for Cape Town on September 6. They face African champions Nigeria in Cape Town four days later.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Senzo Meyiwa, Dumisani Msibi.

Defenders: Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thabo Matlaba, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Ayabulela Magqwaka, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Anele Ngcongca, Rivaldo Coetzee, Sibusiso Khumalo.

Midfielders: Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Dean Furman, Ayanda Patosi, Keagan Dolly, Mandla Masango, Kamohelo Mokotjo.

Strikers: Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula, David Zulu, Bongi Ntuli.