South Africa Names Squad for Final CAN 2015 Qualifiers Without Meyiwa
Bafana Bafana look to finish strong, new captain to be named
South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba has announced his 26-man squad for the final two matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, after a respectful delay due to the funeral of captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.
Now without their fallen leader, Bafana Bafana will look to continue their unbeaten run and secure qualification. They currently top their group with 8 points from 4 matches and are preparing to face Sudan at home before a decisive trip to Nigeria.
🗓 Fixtures:
🇿🇦 South Africa vs Sudan – Matchday 5
🇳🇬 Nigeria vs South Africa – Matchday 6
🧢 The team’s new captain will be named on the eve of the Sudan match, as confirmed by Mashaba.
🧤 Goalkeepers:
Darren Keet (KV Kortrijk – Belgium)
Siyabonga Mpontshane (Platinum Stars)
Brilliant Khuzwayo (Kaizer Chiefs)
🛡 Defenders:
Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk – Belgium)
Siyabonga Nhlapo (Bidvest Wits)
Sibusiso Khumalo (SuperSport United)
Luvolwethu Mpeta (Platinum Stars)
Erick Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs)
Ntsikelelo Nyauza (Orlando Pirates)
Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town)
Kwanda Mngonyama (Maritzburg United)
Tefu Mashamaite (Kaizer Chiefs)
⚙️ Midfielders:
Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Fagrie Lakay (Santos)
Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates)
Andile Jali (KV Oostende – Belgium)
Dean Furman (Doncaster Rovers – England)
Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs)
Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs)
Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam – Netherlands)
May Mahlangu (IFK Göteborg – Sweden)
🎯 Forwards:
Sibusiso Vilakazi (Bidvest Wits)
Bongani Ndulula (AmaZulu)
Tokelo Rantie (AFC Bournemouth – England)
Lehlohonolo Majoro (Orlando Pirates)
Kermit Erasmus (Orlando Pirates)
🔍 Key Talking Points:
Life after Meyiwa: Who steps up as the team’s leader?
Kermit Erasmus and Tokelo Rantie form a dynamic attacking duo.
Thulani Serero and Dean Furman add international class to the midfield.
Rivaldo Coetzee, still just a teenager, continues to impress in defense.
South Africa’s path to Morocco 2015 looks promising, but the team now has emotional weight to carry. A place in the finals would be a fitting tribute to their fallen captain.
