By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@KaizerChiefs.
SA national team head coach Hugo Broos has selected a 23-man squad for international friendly matches against Sierra Leone and Botswana.
South Africa will entertain the Leone Stars on Saturday, 24 September (14:30), before taking on neighbours, the Zebras, on Tuesday, 27 September (17:30).Both fixtures will be played at FNB Stadium.
Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Themba Zwane has earned his first call up under Broos’ tenure while Orlando Pirates forward Zakhele Lepasa returns to the national team for the first time since 2019.
Golden Arrows goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi received his first call-up to the Bafana squad alongside Luke Le Roux from Varbergs BoIS (Sweden) and Stellenbosch’s lanky midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa.
Broos has left out regular starters Keagan Dolly and Percy Tau, while Bruce Bvuma and Yusuf Maart also miss out on selection.
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Melusi Buthelezi (TS Galaxy).
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Rushin De Reuck, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Innocent Maela, Nkossinathi Sibisi (all Orlando Pirates), Thibang Phete (Al Bataeh, UAE), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City).
Midfielders: Spephele Sithole (Belenenses, Portugal), Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates), Tebogo Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Luke Le Roux (Varbergs BoIS, Sweden), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Stellenbosch FC).
Strikers: Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City), Lyle Foster (Westerlo, Belgium), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Pula Mmodi (Golden Arrows), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), Kgaogelo Sekgota (Kaizer Chiefs).