By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has announced his final 24-man squad for the all-important 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Liberia.
Broos had initially selected a 35-man preliminary squad but had to cut out 13 names ahead of the two clashes with Liberia.
South Africa host the West African nation on Friday, 24 March (18:00) at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, and play again four days later on Wednesday, 28 March (18:00 SA time) in the Liberian capital of Monrovia.
Broos has picked in-form Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula, as well as Orlando Pirates top-scorer Monnapule Saleng. Both these players are seen as candidates for the PSL footballer of the season accolade.
Bafana Bafana 24-man squad
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams. Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Innocent Maela, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thapelo Morena, Maphosa Modiba, Grant Kekana, Mothobi Mvala, Siyanda Xulu
Midfielders: Luke le Roux, Njabulo Blom, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena
Forwards: Monnapule Saleng, Themba Zwane, Zakhele Lepasa, Cassius Mailula, Mihlali Mayambela, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Lyle Foster, Percy Tau.
The training camp commences on Sunday (19 March).
Bafana lost their opening game of Group K 2-1 against Morocco in Rabat in June 2022. Liberia lost their first game 2-0 at home to Morocco, also in June last year.
South Africa’s final game of the qualifiers is at home to the Atlas Lions in June and Liberia’s is away against Morocco in September.
Morocco, with six points, are all but guaranteed top place with South Africa and Liberia vying for qualification via a second placing.
The tournament in Ivory Coast was moved from June and July this year to January and February 2024 due to heat concerns.