South Africa Announces 23-Man Squad for 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
Coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba has revealed the final 23-man squad for Bafana Bafana ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. The list brings a few surprises, notably the omission of midfielder Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam) and striker Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren) from the provisional 34-man roster.
South Africa’s squad largely consists of locally based players, with only seven members having featured at the 2013 AFCON hosted in the country. This new-look team faces a tough challenge in the so-called “Group of Death,” which includes Ghana, Algeria, and Senegal.
Preparations continue with friendlies lined up against Zambia on January 4 and Mali on January 9, before the team departs for Equatorial Guinea.
South Africa’s 2015 AFCON Squad
Goalkeepers:
Darren Keet (Kortrijk, Belgium)
Brilliant Khuzwayo (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Jackson Mabokgwane (Black Aces, South Africa)
Defenders:
Thabo Matlaba (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Patrick Phungwayo (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Thulani Hlatswayo (Wits, South Africa)
Siyabonga Nhlapo (Wits, South Africa)
Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa)
Eric Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Anele Ngcongca (Genk, Belgium)
Midfielders:
Bongani Zungu (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
Sibusiso Vilakazi (Wits, South Africa)
Dean Furman (Doncaster, England)
Andile Jali (Ostend, Belgium)
Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)
Thuso Phala (SuperSport United, South Africa)
Thamsanqa Sangweni (Chippa United, South Africa)
Forwards:
Bongani Ndulula (AmaZulu, South Africa)
Tokelo Rantie (Bournemouth, England)
Bernard Parker (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)
