Bafana Bafana have confirmed that Supersport United defender Kegan Johannes will captain the young squad during the COSAFA Cup.
The defending champions enter the tournament at the quarter-finals against Mozambique today.
Johannes, who was named captain of the Bafana squad for the tournament, insisted that the young team is raring to go and have prepared well under the guidance of Helman Mkhalele.
“We have prepared well against Mozambique and the boys are really looking forward to the clash,” the defender told Bafana’s media team.
Get unlimited, fast 5G home wifi. Delivered to you fast from rain.co.za
“We have also analysed their play and we know areas in which to capitalise on as well as their strengths. We go there with an open mind as well, as anything can happen in football. But our focus still remains the same, and that is we want to win this fixture.”
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana’s Team Doctor Thabo Maleka gave an update on Ethan Brooks knee injury, saying they hope he could be available should Bafana reach the semi-finals.
“Ethan sustained a knee injury which we have been treating and we are now working on his recovery in getting him back to the field of play again,” Dr Maleka said.
“Unfortunately he will not be available for the Mozambique game, but he should be ready for selection in the next match after this one.”
Bafana beat Mozambique in last year’s semi-final 3-0, but have completely changed their squad in comparison to that team, which included the likes of Rushine De Reuck, Njabulo Ngcobo, Yusuf Maart and Victor Letsoalo.
This year, Bafana will be represented by a young squad, predominantly made of U23 players, including the likes of Boitomelo Radiopane, Athenkosi Mcaba, Azola Matrose and Keletso Sifama.