Head coach Helman Mkhalele has named his final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming COSAFA Cup, without a single player from the Big Three named in the squad.
Orlando Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng and Mamelodi Sundowns Siyabonga Mabena are just two of the shock absentees from the Bafana's COSAFA Cup squad announced on Friday.
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In fact, not a single player from the so called 'Big Three' of Sundowns, Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs makes the final cut, after being named in the preliminary 50-man squad.
These players, and others, could presumably have been denied by their clubs who would be well on their way into the final plans for pre-season training and camps, with the tournament falling outside the FIFA international calendar.
Coach Helman Mkhalele names his final squad for the COSAFA Cup
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 21, 2024
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Nevertheless, the squad still boats plenty of quality: Mfundo Thikazi, Ethan Brooks, Thabo Moloisane and Devin Titus make up the squad's more experienced stars.
Chippa United, who are based in Gqeberha where the African regional showpiece takes place, has representation in the form of four players, the same number as relegated Cape Town Spurs.
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Bafana find themselves in Group A of the tournament that will take place from 26 June to 7 July, alongside Mozambique, Botswana and Eswatini.
Mkhalele's men face their first challenge against Mozambique next Wednesday at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium.
Kick-off is at 18:00.