THE national Under-23 soccer side will leave for Mali on Thursday for the their return match against Libya to accommodate the midweek Absa Premiership matches.

Coach Shakes Mashaba has selected a stronger side that includes strong contender for the Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards, Thulani "Simply The Best" Serero.

Also in the team is another contender in Andile "Horse and Trailer" Jali after the duo missed the first leg where South Africa won the match 4-2 in Daveyton last weekend.

Serero and Jali were part of the Bafana Bafana squad that beat Egypt 1-0 in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last week, thanks to Katlego "Killer' Mphela's historic goal.

Fifa announced late last week that the return match will be played in the capital Bamako on Saturday due to the political turmoil in Libya. It will take place at the March 26 Stadium where the 2002 Africa Nations Cup final was held. Kickoff is at 8pm, SA time.

The Football Association of Libya was asked to nominate an alternate venue because of the de facto civil war. Libya opted for Bamako after their senior team used the same facility for their 2012 Afcon qualifier where they hammered Comoros Islands 3-0 last Monday.

"We are hoping to leave on Thursday because there are PSL matches on Wednesday," said Under-23 team manager Barney Kujane. "Our aim is to beat Libya and move a step closer to qualifying for the 2012 London Olympics. We are going to the finals in England."

The team is:

• GOALKEEPER - Darren Keet (Wits)
• DEFENDERS - Siyanda Xulu (Sundowns), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Ajax), Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Swallows), Mulomowandau Mathoho (Celtic), Enrico Adolf (Wits)
• MIDFIELDERS - Andile Jali (Pirates), Thandani Ntshumayelo (SS United), Christopher Flandorp (Wits), Sameegh Doutie (Ajax), Sibusiso Khumalo (Sundowns), Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Mandla Masango (Chiefs)
• FORWARDS - Bongani Ndulula (Pirates), George Maluleke and Serero (both from Ajax).