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No big surprises as Igesund names Afcon squad

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There were no big surprises, except for a few names, when Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund announced his 23-man squad in Johannesburg today for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament to be hosted by South Africa next month.

Current form and experience played a huge role in the former Moroka Swallows mentor’s selection, which comprises names like Itumeleng Khune, Tsepo Masilela, Thabo Nthete, Lerato Chabangu, Siphiwe Tshabala and Reneilwe Letsholonyane, among others.

But Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Daine Klate and Sifiso Myeni may have a reason to feel hard done by, for not having made the final cut. A lot of questions are expected to be asked as to what led to the preference of Thuso Phala over Orlando Pirates’ on-form Myeni .

Despite having only taken over the coaching reins in July, many still expect Igesund to go all the way to the final and emulate the class of ’96 that won the tournament on home soil – an ambition a little too far-fetched looking at the problems facing the country’s football at all levels. South Africa has failed to qualify for the past two editions of the same tournament and will only play in this tournament by virtue of being hosts.

Despite having only taken over the coaching reins in July, many still expect Igesund to go all the way to the final and emulate the class of ’96 that won the tournament on home soil – an ambition a little too far-fetched.

Having gone over the first hurdle of naming his 23 men, Igesund will now have sleepless nights in assembling a starting line-up that can carry the nation’s weighty expectations. He has two matches against Norway and Algeria on January 8 and 12 respectively, to get the team to play as a unit and execute his philosophy, while most teams like Ghana and Zambia have been ready over a year ago.

SA Squad:

Goalkeepers: Itemeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Senzo Meyiwa

Defenders: Bongani Khumalo, Siboniso Gaxa, Siyabonga Sangweni, Anele Ngcongca, Tsepo Masilela, Thabo Nthethe, Thabo Matlaba

Midfielders: Lerato Chabangu, Thulani Serero, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Dean Furman, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, May Mahlangu, Thuso Phala, Oupa Manyisa

Strikers: Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Katlego Mphela.

– By Sipho Kekana

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