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CHANCE TO SHINE: Bafana Bafana dribbling wizard Thulani Serero. Photo: Gallo Images

 Komphela releases five SA stars 

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Komphela has released five of the players from his squad, all of whom were fielded in both of South Africa's World Cup qualifiers over the past two weekends - the 1-1 opening draw against Ethiopia in Rustenburg and draw by the same scoreline against Botswana in Gaborone on Saturday.

Of the five that have been released, captain Steven Pienaar, defender Bongani Khumalo, midfielder Thanduyise Khuboni and striker Katlego Mphela all started both games, while Oupa Manyisa was a substitute in the first qualifier and started the second.

Komphela said: "Initially we called up a big squad because we had three back-to-back clashes and wanted to have cover in various positions in case of injuries. We have seen what the five that we released can give us, and now this is a chance to have a look at other players.

"At the same time we also had to reserve some respect for the opposition and not make wholesale changes to our squad. We still need continuity and we believe the players that are remaining will provide the needed balance to tackle Gabon on Friday."

Serero missed the Ethiopia qualifier as he was given leave to mourn the death of his father. He returned to the squad last week but incurred a groin injury on Friday, and was ruled out against Botswana. The Ajax Amsterdam forward, who has struggled for game time in his first season in Holland, is expected to get a start against the 49th-ranked Gabonese.

"Serero is ready for action," Komphela said yesterday. "He had a full training session and the medical team has given us the go ahead to use him."

The interim coach, who has taken charge of two of Bafana's three games over the current three-week period following the sacking of Pitso Mosimane, is likely to give a run to strikers Tokelo Rantie and Eleazar Rodgers on Friday night.

"It is about being logical. We are facing Gabon. Why not go to Mbombela and give everyone an opportunity?" he asked.

Comments

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Tue May 21 14:47:30 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 13, 2012

guiliano

Why they don't organize friendlies away from home so that dancing Bafana should get used to playing away.
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Jun 13, 2012

ntiki

umfana u phethe magic
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Jun 13, 2012

BigBrother1

Please SAFA remove Teko Modise from Bafana because he brings bad luck not that he doesn't play well... CURSE to City Pillars< Supersport< Pirates< now Sundowns...!!! Then success will follow

#...aka Ox
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Jun 13, 2012

zondamanzi

all eyes on Kompela squad.
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Jun 13, 2012

Jojo104

I think there's nothing to blame at this point, untill we see the results.
Anyway, Komphela seems to like to send a message out side there that, not a person's name that is neccesary for Bafana, but performance.

We wish you good like General Kompela
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Jun 13, 2012

Papage

But please dont play your Free State boy at left back, he nearly cost us Botswana match, Why not play Siboniso on the left, he always does well.
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Jun 13, 2012

ISpeakSoccerBlogSpot

Youth Development in SA Football http://ispeaksoccer.blogspot.com/
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Jun 13, 2012

Lubabalo123

Firstly I agree about the comment by BB1 on Teko and secondly I believe the problem lies with Big guys in big chairs @ the helm of Safa namely Kirsten and Dr Irvin respectively because they play a major role in the selection process. Why don't we have Manqele playing after proving himself in the recent league campaign. I beleive we should start calling up players based on merrit and not because they sit opposite the big bosses @ at the dinner table @ private events.
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Jun 13, 2012

mashwahla

what a shame
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Jun 13, 2012

Mabhebha

apparently he is Fat... but i still believe he can do de job... Awe!!!!

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