Prince Nxumalo has been rewarded for his stellar form for Ajax Cape Town with a call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for two 2017 African Nations Cup qualifiers against Cameroon this month.
The 25-year-old striker has overcome problems with epilepsy to bang in 11 goals in the Premiership this year, just one behind veteran Zambian Collins Mbesuma.
And with South Africa’s endless struggle to score goals, it is hoped that Nxumalo can be the difference when Bafana travel to Limbe for a March 26 clash (4.30pm kickoff SA time) with the Indomitable Lions, with the return match three days later (March 29, 7pm) at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
There were a number of surprises in the 25-man squad named by coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba on Thursday morning at Safa House in Johannesburg, with the biggest coming in the goalkeeping department.
We are going to discuss the selection criteria. #Bafana
— Mazola J. Molefe (@superjourno) March 10, 2016
Both Itumeleng Khune of Kaizer Chiefs and Mpumalanga Black Aces’ Jackson Mabokgwane have not been playing for their clubs, with Khune making his comeback from a lengthy injury layoff just on Wednesday night for the Amakhosi in a 2-0 defeat to Platinum Stars.
The squad to play Cameroon: @SAFA_net @DChimhavi pic.twitter.com/fwfYsqYMlB
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) March 10, 2016
Another former Bafana captain in Mabokgwane has been behind Shu-aib Walters in the goalkeeper pecking order at Black Aces for the entire season, so he has not been playing regular football.
Other keepers such as veteran Wits shot-stopper Moeneeb Josephs and Chiefs’ Reyaad Pieterse can count themselves unlucky to have missed out as they have been in good form, although Josephs has said previously that younger goalkeepers should be given a chance.
Another big call by Mashaba sees Cape Town born-and-bred left back Cheslyn Jampies cracking the nod ahead of the experienced Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela. The 26-year-old Jampies came through the ranks at Santos, but joined Jomo Cosmos this season. He will ostensibly be the reserve left back to Orlando Pirates’ Thabo Matlaba.
Big names such as Anele Ngcongca, Erick Mathoho, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Serero, Andile Jali and Tokelo Rantie are all back for Bafana.
But there has also been a good infusion of fresh talent from Mashaba, with Wits defenders Siyabonga Nhlapo and Sifiso Hlanti, Chiefs midfielder William Twala and SA Under-20 star Mpho Makola from Orlando Pirates making the cut.
There were also recalls for the experienced Sundowns midfielder Hlompho Kekana, as well as Pirates striker Thamsanqa Gabuza.
The two Cameroon clashes are must-win affairs for Bafana, as they are at the bottom of their qualifying group with a single point, five behind log-leaders Cameroon and two behind Mauritania. Gambia also have one point, but enjoy a better goal difference.
Bafana Bafana Squad
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Jackson Mabokgwane (Mpumalanga Black Aces), Darren Keet (KV Kortrijk, Belgium).
Defenders: Siyabonga Nhlapo (Wits), Asavela Mbekile (Mamelodi Sundowns), Anele Ngcongca (Troyes FC, France), Thabo Matlaba (Orlando Pirates), Cheslyn Jampies (Jomo Cosmos), Erick Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Sifiso Hlanti (Wits), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Wits).
Midfielders: Andile Jali (KV Oostende, Belgium), Kamohelo Mokotjo (FC Twente, The Netherlands), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), William Twala (Kaizer Chiefs), Jabulani Shongwe (Wits), Mpho Makola (Orlando Pirates), Mandla Masango (Randers FC, Denmark), Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Strikers: Thamsanqa Gabuza (Orlando Pirates), Prince Nxumalo (Ajax Cape Town), Tokelo Rantie (AFC Bournemouth, England), Dino Ndlovu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus).
@IndyCapeSport