The acrimonious relationships axed Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba had with certain players will remain in the past, as interim coach Owen da Gama stressed the importance of moving forward when he announced a promising squad yesterday.
Da Gama will take charge of Bafana's friendlies against Guinea-Bissau and Angola in a fortnight, even if a new coach is announced in the coming days.
Mysteriously, Safa would not answer any questions related to the appointment of a new coach yesterday.
Da Gama included players who did not see eye-to-eye with Mashaba - overseas- based Kamohelo Mokotjo and Kermit Erasmus.
Not long after the squad was announced, Erasmus took to social network Twitter to say "I'm back", which encouraged Da Gama.
"Oh really? You see, that's what we want," was Da Gama's response when told of the tweet.
Mokotjo, who retired from playing for Bafana in April 2016, obtained Dutch citizenship and by so doing forfeited his SA passport. He can, however, apply for dual citizenship. Safa was unaware of this and will now scramble to find out if the player will be available to play the upcoming friendlies.
"We should do everything in our power to get these players playing for Bafana," said Da Gama.
Moving forward, according to Da Gama, also means bringing in youngsters who have proven themselves. Luther Singh, Percy Tau and Phakamani Mahlambi, three of the country's brightest attacking options for the future, have been included.
"Singh and Mahlambi will encourage other youngsters to work harder. It's a step in the right direction to give hope to youngsters."
SQUAD
Goalkeepers:Itumeleng Khune, Darren Keet, Shuaib Walters
Defenders:Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlathswayo, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Lorenzo Gordinho, Diamond Thopola, Tebogo Langerman
Midfielders:Hlompho Kekana, Thabo Mnyamane, Keagan Dolly, Andile Jali, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Tiyani Mabunda, Dean Furman, Themba Zwane
Strikers:Thulani Serero, Percy Tau, Lebogang Manyama, Phakamani Mahlambi, Lars Veldwijk, Kermit Erasmus, Luther Singh
Bafana shake off past enmity
The acrimonious relationships axed Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba had with certain players will remain in the past, as interim coach Owen da Gama stressed the importance of moving forward when he announced a promising squad yesterday.
Da Gama will take charge of Bafana's friendlies against Guinea-Bissau and Angola in a fortnight, even if a new coach is announced in the coming days.
Mysteriously, Safa would not answer any questions related to the appointment of a new coach yesterday.
Da Gama included players who did not see eye-to-eye with Mashaba - overseas- based Kamohelo Mokotjo and Kermit Erasmus.
Not long after the squad was announced, Erasmus took to social network Twitter to say "I'm back", which encouraged Da Gama.
"Oh really? You see, that's what we want," was Da Gama's response when told of the tweet.
Mokotjo, who retired from playing for Bafana in April 2016, obtained Dutch citizenship and by so doing forfeited his SA passport. He can, however, apply for dual citizenship. Safa was unaware of this and will now scramble to find out if the player will be available to play the upcoming friendlies.
"We should do everything in our power to get these players playing for Bafana," said Da Gama.
Moving forward, according to Da Gama, also means bringing in youngsters who have proven themselves. Luther Singh, Percy Tau and Phakamani Mahlambi, three of the country's brightest attacking options for the future, have been included.
"Singh and Mahlambi will encourage other youngsters to work harder. It's a step in the right direction to give hope to youngsters."
SQUAD
Goalkeepers:Itumeleng Khune, Darren Keet, Shuaib Walters
Defenders:Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlathswayo, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Lorenzo Gordinho, Diamond Thopola, Tebogo Langerman
Midfielders:Hlompho Kekana, Thabo Mnyamane, Keagan Dolly, Andile Jali, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Tiyani Mabunda, Dean Furman, Themba Zwane
Strikers:Thulani Serero, Percy Tau, Lebogang Manyama, Phakamani Mahlambi, Lars Veldwijk, Kermit Erasmus, Luther Singh
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