Bafana Bafana coach Helman Mkhalele has announced his starting XI for this afternoon’s Group A COSAFA Cup opener against Mozambique at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
‘Midnight Express’ called up 23 players that will do duty for South Africa at the regional tournament that commences today, 26 June until 7 July – with Mzansi hosting it for the seventh consecutive year.
Seven debutants were named in the starting XI with only Mondli Mpoto, Malebogo Modise, Ethan Brooks and Thabang Sibanyoni having been previously capped.
Bafana has also been pitted against eSwatini and the Zebras of Botswana.
South Africa, who have not won the title since beating guest nation Senegal in 2021, will be looking to have a strong start in front of their home fans.
The match will commence at 18:00.
Here is how they line up:
Bafana Starting XI: Mpoto, Modise, Matuludi, Moloisane, Dortley, Poggenpoel, Kwayiba, Brooks, Sibanyoni, Velebayi, Titus
Subs: Xulu, Thikazi, Kammies, Mcaba, Mojela, A.Cupido, Van Wyk, Rhodes, Moremi, Bern, K.Cupido, Mzimela
Mozambique Starting XI: Muendane, Simbine, Pedro, Nhantumbo, Melo, Lorenzoni, Ferreira Jr, Valipavai, Nhacussa, Carrelo, Nhambire
Subs: Aldandega, Fumo, Pinho, Doutor, Jose, Jamisse, Joao, Muchanga, Simango, A.Tembe, O.Tembe; Dove (absent)
