A 50-man preliminary squad made up of local-based players has been announced by Bafana Bafana ahead of the upcoming COSAFA Cup to be hosted by South Africa.
As per the norm, assistant coach Helman Mkhalele takes charge of the COSAFA Cup tournament, with head coach Hugo Broos taking a backseat.
The competition will take place from June 26 to July 7, with Mzansi drawn in Group A alongside Mozambique, Eswatini and Botswana.
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Mkhalele's charges will be out to win it this time around after Zambia ascended the podium to collect the gold medals and the accompanying cheque in the last two editions.
The squad is made up of some of the top young talent the DStv Premiership has to offer, including five players from relegated Cape Town Spurs, although one of them - Luvuyo Phewa - is expected to go back to parent club Mamelodi Sundowns after his loan stint in the Mother City.
Most notably, fan-favourite Relebohile Mofokeng is kept in the reckoning as he continues his growth in senior national colours and will be hoping to gain valuable experience from the tournament having already reportedly caught the eye of overseas teams.
Goalkeepers:
Melusi Buthelezi, Olwethu Mzimela, Sipho Chaine, Bruce Bvuma
Defenders:
Zuko Mdunyelwa, Thabang Matuludi, Thabiso Monyane, Sergio Kammies, Deano Van Rooyen, Khulekani Shezi, Keanu Cupido, Thabo Maloisane, Macbeth Mahlangu, Simphiwe Mcineka, Keegan Allan, Rushwin Dortley, Thabo Sesane, Athenkosi Mcaba, Bilal Baloyi, Malebogo Modise, Bradley Cross, Samukelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien
Midfielders:
Thalente Mbatha, Liam Bern, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Siphesihle Mkhize, Samkelo Zwane, Chumani Butsaka, Antonio Van Wyk, Mduduzi Shabalala, Puso Dithejane, Luvuyo Phewa, Siphesihle Maduna, Ethan Brooks, Rowan Human, Relebohile Mofokeng, Devin Titus, Mokibelo Ramabu, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Siyabonga Mabena, Asanele Velebayi, Lesiba Nku, Tshepang Moremi, Shandre Campbell, Mfundo Thikazi
Strikers:
Ashley Cupido, Lehlohonolo Mojela, Yanela Mbuthuma, Lungelo Nguse
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The Bafana squad is expected to be trimmed down to about 23 players before assembling for camp within the next week.
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