NATIONAL Under-23 soccer side coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba is expected to rope in Thulani Serero and Andile Jali for the crunch 2012 London Olympics return match against Benin on June 19.

Sowetan has learnt that Safa is looking at taking this crucial game to either Moruleng Stadium near Rustenburg or Daveyton Stadium in Ekurhuleni.

Benin, who were on the verge of withdrawing from the tournament due to financial constraints, won the first leg at home when they beat South Africa 3-1 on Saturday.

"We've got to get the strongest possible team," Mashaba said yesterday.

"There are many great players in the PSL who qualify to play in this tournament and we want to rope them in. We are also taking advantage of the fact that the soccer season is over.

"We are spoiled for choice in terms of selection. Benin are a good side but we are going to beat them here at home. If it were not for biased refereeing in Benin, we would have won that match," said Mashaba, the only coach to have guided South Africa to the finals of the Olympic Games.

The former Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates defender achieved that feat by qualifying for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Another player likely to be called up for the Benin game is George Maluleka, who was part of the Bafana squad that played to a goalless draw against Egypt on Sunday.

Safa is expected to confirm the venue for the Benin match this week.