Cape Town - Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo will make his senior international debut in a Bafana Bafana team that has seven changes for Tuesday’s friendly against Ghana in Durban.
Coach Shakes Mashaba has overhauled his starting XI for the clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium (7pm kickoff), with star goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and many others who secured a 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on Saturday.
The only survivors in defence are captain Thulani Hlatshwayo and left back Thabo Matlaba, with Eric Mathoho unavailable due to a family bereavement and Khune still feeling the effects of a tummy bug picked up in Burkina Faso.
Mathoho is replaced by Platinum Stars centre back Isaac Nhlapo, with Pirates star Abbubaker Mobara getting another opportunity at right back at the expense of Ramahlwe Mphahlele.
Mhlongo, though, will hope to have an easier night than what Khune had in Ouagadougou as the Kaizer Chiefs skipper had to make a number of outstanding saves to keep the Burkinabe in check, only conceding in stoppage time.
Mobara should strengthen the side with his ability to track back down the right, and also deal with defenders head-on, while Nhlapo - who is only 1.81m tall - will have to make up for the loss in physical presence that Mathoho normally provides in support of the classy Hlatshwayo in other ways.
The midfield also has three new faces, with Saturday’s goal-scorer Dean Furman the only one to hold on to his starting berth. Belgium-based Ayanda Patosi replaces Keagan Dolly - who has returned to Sundowns ahead of the Caf Champions League final this weekend, along with Hlompho Kekana and Tebogo Langerman - at left wing, while Oupa Manyisa gets a start in place of Kekana in central midfield.
May Mahlangu will look to unlock the Ghanaian defence from the right side of midfield, with Mpho Makola taking a breather, while Sibusiso Vilakazi will fulfil the No 10 “false striker” role instead of Thulani Serero.
Target-man Eleazar Rodgers was impressive in holding the ball up and knocking it down into gaps upfront, but he lacked support from Serero and others, so hopefully Vilakazi can push further forward to latch on to any loose balls.
Bafana Bafana Team
Brighton Mhlongo, Abbubaker Mobara, Isaac Nhlapo, Thulani Hlatshwayo (captain), Thabo Matlaba, Ayanda Patosi, Oupa Manyisa, Dean Furman, May Mahlangu, Eleazer Rodgers, Sibusiso Vilakazi.
Substitutes: Jackson Mabokgwane, Itumeleng Khune, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Maphosa Modiba, Mpho Makola, Thulani Serero, Mncwango, Thamsanqa Gabuza
@ashfakmohamed
Independent Media