Bafana Bafana XI vs Sierra Leone: Zwane & Lepasa start for South Africa

13:43 WAT 24/09/2022

The coach has had to draft the team without the injured Percy Tau, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Terrence Mashego, and Lyle Foster

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has named his starting XI to face Sierra Leone at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The friendly match serves as an opportunity for the Belgian coach to test the readiness of his charges since losing to Morocco in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in June.

Themba Zwane, who was surprisingly called up after a number of snubs by the former Cameroon coach, starts as the focus shifts to the next year's Afcon qualifiers.

How Bafana are lining up:

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Ronwen Williams

After settling well at Mamelodi Sundowns, it is time the former SuperSport United goalkeeper leads Bafana Bafana to a possible morale-boosting victory against the Leone Stars.
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Sydney Mobbie

The Sekhukhune United fullback starts at right-back as Khuliso Mudau is benched.
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Aubrey Modiba

The Sundowns defender has been deployed at left-back as Broos goes with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
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Innocent Maela

As is the case at Pirates this season, Maela has been shifted to the centre of the defense away from his usual left-back position.
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Nkosinathi Sibisi

Sibisi, who has enjoyed regular starts at Pirates, has been given the first team nod ahead of Rushine de Reuck.
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Sphephelo Sithole

Deployed at the centre of the midfield, the Belenenses star occupies a critical position.
He should be efficient and effective while providing the link between the attacking department and the midfield, as well as offering protection to the back four.
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Luke le Roux

Le Roux has been considered for a place in the starting XI for the first friendly in this Fifa window.
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Themba Zwane

After he was recalled to the squad for the first time since 2020, Zwane starts.
His experience and winning credentials, especially at Sundowns, should drive him as he hopes to show Broos he has got a lot more to offer Bafana.
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Mihlali Mayambela

The Aris Limassol star starts as a right-forward against John Keister’s side.
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Kgaogelo Sekgota

The Kaizer Chiefs star starts as a left-forward against the visitors.
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Zakhele Lepasa

Although he has struggled to stamp his authority at Pirates, Broos has trusted Lepasa with the duties of leading the attack for the 1996 African champions.