South Africa head coach Hugo Broos on Monday reduced his Bafana Bafana squad for the trip to Europe from 29 to 23 as they prepare to take on Guinea and world champions France.
The Belgian tactician released a provisional squad last week, which included four overseas-based players but mostly made up of Premier Soccer League stars.
Speaking after the official squad announcement, Broos said: “I want us to play big teams [France, Brazil, Portugal, Belgium, Argentina, Germany], not Botswana, with all due respect. If we lose, we lose,”
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The team will leave South Africa on March 21 (next Monday) for Paris, but first take on their African counterpart Guinea four days later in Belgium.
Then comes the big one against reigning FIFA World Cup champions France in Lille on March 29 in what will be a true test of character as Broos readies his side for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Full squad list:
Goalkeepers:
Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Bruce Bvuma (Chiefs) and Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu)
Defenders:
Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Terrence Mashego (CT City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Arrows), Rushine De Reuck, Lyle Lakay, Khuliso Mudau, (Sundowns), Bandile Shandu (Pirates), Athenkosi Mcaba (Stellenbosch), Siyanda Xulu (unattached)
Midfielders:
Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Keagan Dolly (Chiefs), Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns), Goodman Mosele (Pirates), Thabang Monare (Pirates), Mothobi Mvala (Sundowns)
Strikers:
Evidence Makgopa (Baroka), Fagrie Lakay (Pyramids), Percy Tau (Al Ahly), Lyle Foster (Westerlo), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United)
