South Africa coach Hugo Broos has named Pirates stars Goodman Mosele, Miguel Timm and Monnapule Saleng in his final 23-man Africa Cup of Nations squad announced on Thursday.
The Belgian chief has had to weigh up several key decisions ahead of leading Bafana Bafana at next month’s continental showpiece in Ivory Coast.
But he has ultimately opted to include the influential Orlando Pirates trio in his plans for a tournament where South Africa have been drawn against Mali, Namibia and Tunisia in Group C.
Dynamic midfielder Mosele, composed deep-lying playmaker Timm and lively forward Saleng now have the chance to transfer their impressive domestic form onto the international stage.
Elsewhere, Broos has largely kept faith with the defensive core which performed admirably during Bafana’s successful AFCON qualification campaign.
Thabiso Monyane, Rushine De Reuck and Nyiko Mobbie remain integral figures in a backline marshalled by skipper Ronwen Williams between the sticks – even if in-form youngster Bradley Cross also makes the cut.
Further forward, Belgium-based frontman Lebo Mothiba and Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane offer additional goal threat and creativity alongside the Pirates contingent.
Bafana gather for a pre-tournament training camp from January 4th where Broos will put the finishing touches on preparations before a January 16th Group C opener with Mali.
The final squad as announced by Coach Hugo Broos earlier today, to compete at #AFCON2023 in Côte d’Ivoire. Congratulations and good luck Bafana Bafana!!! #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/u9cNoZ98dA
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 28, 2023
