RUSTENBURG – Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has picked eight uncapped players in the starting line-up for the Cosafa Cup quarter-final against Tanzania on Sunday.
In goals Boalefa Pule will make his debut for Bafana Bafana at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg (5pm kickoff).
Also making their first appearances will be defenders Thendo Mukumela at right back, Innocent Maela at left back, as well as Mario Booysen at central defence where he will work alongside Lorenzo Gordinho (who made his debut against Zambia last month).
Captain Lehlogonolo Masalesa will also don the national team jersey for the first time in the middle of the park and will partner Cole Alexander, who replaced the injured Aubrey Ngoma.
Stuart Baxter takes charge during a recent training session. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu /BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates winger Riyaad Norodien will hit the ground running as he arrived in the Bafana Bafana camp on Saturday night to take the place of Thabo Cele, who has been released from the squad as his club in Portugal has requested that he return for pre-season training.
Norodien will also be making his debut, together with another winger in Liam Jordan, as well as midfielder Jamie Webber.
Judas Moseamedi will play as a lone striker.
Bafana Bafana XI:
Boalefa Pule, Thendo Mukumela, Innocent Maela, Lorenzo Gordinho, Mario Booysen, Lehlogonolo Masalesa (captain), Cole Alexander, Riyaad Norodien, Jamie Webber, Liam Jordan, Judas Moseamedi.
Substitutes: Darren Johnson, Bruce Bvuma, Tercious Malepe, Mothobi Mvala, Nduduzo Sibiya, Mohau Mokate, Sandile Mthethwa, Lebogang Maboe, Sibongakonke Mbatha.