TEMPERAMENTAL but talented striker Mabhuti Khenyeza has finally smoked the peace pipe with Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana and his technical team.

TEMPERAMENTAL but talented striker Mabhuti Khenyeza has finally smoked the peace pipe with Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana and his technical team.

Santana yesterday included Khenyeza in the 24-member squad for away games against Germany on September 5 at 8.45pm, and Ireland on September 8 at 7.30pm.

The Mamelodi Sundowns forward fell out of favour with Santana and his technical team after for failure to turn up for camp ahead of the Confederations Cup.

Frustrated Bafana Bafana technical staff members complained that Khenyeza had initially agreed to come for tests but was not returning their calls.

That resulted in Khenyeza being ignored for that tournament and the subsequent friendly game against Serbia.

Sowetan can reveal that Sipho Nkumane, team manager, was involved in behind-the-scenes negotiations that saw Khenyeza recommitting himself to Bafana Bafana.

At a media briefing yesterday Safa boss Raymond Hack said it was not their business to tell Santana and his technical team which players to select or drop.

But the choice of Bloemfontein Celtic goalie Shu-Aib Walters over in-form Orlando Pirates No 1, Moeneeb Josephs, raised eyebrows. Incumbent Itumeleng Khune is injured.

There was also a first call-up for Genk defender Anele Ngongca, and a recall for Bevan Fransman.