Baxter makes seven changes for Cosafa Plate semifinal

Stuart Baxter, coach of South Africa

Tuesday Jul 04, 2017. 16:30

South Africa coach Stuart Baxter has made seven changes to his team’s starting XI for their Cosafa Plate semifinal against Botswana today.

Cosafa Cup hosts and defending champions Bafana Bafana dropped into the lesser Plate competition after they were beaten 1-0 by Tanzania in the quarterfinals on Sunday.

Captain Lehlogonolo Masalesa, defenders Mario Booysen and Thendo Mukumela, and winger Riyaad Norodien are the only players to retain their places in the starting line-up.

In goal, Bruce Bvuma replaces Boalefa Pule, while Tercious Malepe and Mothobi Mvala complete the four-man defence.

In midfield, Thabo Cele, Lebogang Maboe and Mohau Mokate come into the XI, while Nduduzo Sibiya replaces Judas Moseamedi as the spearhead in attack.

The Botswana v SA match will kick-off at 17h00 CAT at the Moruleng Stadium.

SA starting XI v Botswana: Bvuma (GK), Malepe, Booysen, Mvala, Mukumela, Masalesa (C), Cele, Maboe, Norodien, Mokate, Sibiya.

Subs: Johnson (GK), Pule (GK), Gordinho, Mthethwa, Mbatha, Moseamedi, Webber, Alexander, Jordan, Maela.