Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has announced his squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari is a surprise inclusion in the squad, having not featured in any of the qualifying matches. Motshwari has done well for the Buccaneers in the past season and has been rewarded with a place in the side, as one of the central midfield players.
Mothwari is joined by Maritzburg United player Fortune Makaringe in the middle of the park, a reward for his fine form with the Team of Choice towards the end of the campaign. It's not the first time Baxter includes Makaringe in his squad.
Cape Town City striker, who was a surprise exclusion for the final qualifier against Libya, has been included in the squad.
Mamelodi Sundowns attacker makes a return to the squad after missing out on the four qualifiers due to injury.
Kaizer Chiefs shot-stopper Bruce Bvuma has kept his place in the squad as a third choice goalkeeper, as cover for Ronwen Williams and Darren Keet.
Joel Unteresee and Nikola Tavares have been included in the squad, if they can get the proper documention before the tournament.
Bafana, who are in Group D with Morocco, Ivory Coast and Namibia, are due to leave for Egypt on June 12.
Baxter still has to be cut the squad down to 23. The final squad must be submitted 10 days before the start of the tournament.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Darren Keet, Ronwen Williams, Bruce Bvuma
Defenders: Daniel Cardoso, Rivaldo Coetzee, Ramahlwe Mphahlale, Thulani Hlathswayo, Innocent Maela, Thami Mkhize, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Sifiso Hlanti
Midfielders: Bongani Zungu, Hlompho Kekana, Dean Furman, Kamo Mokotjo, Tiyani Mabunda, Thulani Serero, Fortune Makaringe, Thembinkosi Lorch, Ben Motshwari, Keagan Dolly, Themba Zwane
Strikers: Lebo Mothiba, Percy Tau, Lars Veldvijk, Lebohang Maboe, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Kermit Erasmus