Saleng makes final cut for Bafana

by Staff Reporter

Tuesday Nov 08, 2022. 16:17

Monnapule Saleng has been rewarded for his sterling performances at Orlando Pirates by being included in Bafana Bafana’s 23-man squad for the November friendlies.

Saleng starred for the Buccaneers in the MTN 8, scoring twice in a 3-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns before netting a stunning free-kick to down AmaZulu in the final on Saturday.

The 24-year-old winger had been called up to the preliminary squad for the upcoming matches against Mozambique and Angola, but is now in line to make his debut for the national team after getting the final nod from head coach Hugo Broos.

He is joined by Pirates team-mate Miguel Timm, who has also impressed at club level in recent weeks and was named Man of the Match against Usuthu in Durban last weekend.

Themba Zwane and Luke le Roux retain their places in the squad after eye-catching displays against Sierra Leone in September, while Lyle Foster returns to the fold alongside Fagrie Lakay and Njabulo Blom after injury forced the Westerlo striker to withdraw from the September friendlies.

Injured duo Innocent Maela and Nkosinathi Sibisi as well as Yusuf Maart are the notable exclusions from the party as Broos’ side continue their preparations for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with games against the Mambas on November 17 and the Giant Sable Antelopes three days later.

Bafana Bafana squad

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Melusi Buthelezi (TS Galaxy);

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Thibang Phete (AL Bataeh, UAE), Siyanda Xulu (Turan-Tovuz, Azerbaijan), Siyanda Msani (Richards Bay), Grant Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), Rushine de Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Maphosa Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns);

Midfielders: Miguel Timm (Orlando Pirates), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs), Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Luke le Roux (Vargerb Bois, Sweden), Monnapule Saleng (Orlando Pirates);

Forwards: Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City), Lyle Foster (Westerlo, Belgium), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Fagrie Lakay (Pyramids, Egypt), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Kgaogelo Sekgota (Kaizer Chiefs).