No Surprises in South Africa’s Provisional Squad for AFCON U-23 Qualifiers

South Africa Under-23 coach David Notoane has named his provisional squad for the upcoming Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola.

There are no big surprises in the 27-strong panel, as experience youngsters led by Luther Singh, Katleho Mohamme and Keletso Makgalwa all made the cut, while Kabelo Seriba, Gift Links and Thabo Cele being the only foreign-based players included.

Coach Notoane is expected to trim four players on Monday at SAFA house but it is reported that he didn’t rule out bringing in one or two new faces into the current squad.

The first of this double-legged clash will be in Luanda on March 22 and the rematch is primed for the Milpark Stadium four days later.

South Africa has been given a bye in the preliminary round by CAF and their clash with Angola will determine who goes through to the second round.

The aggregate winner of this match will either face Zimbabwe or eSwatini/Mozambique in round three for a place in the Africa U23 Cup of Nations set for Egypt early next year.

It is from this eight-team tournament that the three teams to represent Africa at the Olympics will be known.

Provisional Squad

Gaolakeepers: Mondli Mpoto (Bloemfontein Celtic), Sarren Johnson (Ajax Cape Town), Khulekani Khubeka (Cape Umoya).

Defenders: Thendo Mukumela (Ajax Cape Town), Keanu Cupido (Cape Town City), Siya Ngezana (Kaizer Chiefs) Reeve Frosler (Kazier Chiefs), Kabelo Seriba (Metta FC (Latvia), Katleho Mohamme (Supersport United, Sibusiso Mabiliso (Amazulu FC), Sandile Mthethwa (Richards Bay), Given Msimango (Highlands Park).

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Supersport United), Athenkosi Dlala (Supersport United), Tercious Malepe (Chippa United), Gift Links (Cape Town City), Fagrie Lakay (Bidvest Wits), Kamohelo Mahlatsi (Supersport United), Grant Magerman (Ajax Cape Town), Jamie Webber (Supersport United), Thabo Cele (Cova da Piedade, Portugal).

Strikers: Luther Singh (GD Chaves (Portugal), Phakamani Mahlambi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (AS Monaco (France), Liam Jordan (Koge FC (Denmark), Jemondre Dickens (Baroka FC), Keletso Makgalwai (Mamelodi Sundowns).