FORMER Bafana Bafana midfielder Benedict "Tso" Vilakazi is a seasoned campaigner who is missing in the 25-member Black Leopards squad submitted to Caf for the continental tournament next year.

The Limpopo club qualified for the showpiece by being the Nedbank Cup finalists.

The Cup was won by Orlando Pirates last season but the Buccaneers opted for the more lucrative Caf Champions League by virtue of being the league champions.

Leopards spokesman Tendani "Ten" Thidiela yesterday said they based their selection of the 25 players purely on current form.

Thidiela was quick to point out that the door has not closed on players who have not been included in the list.

"Vilakazi has not reached a form that made him one of the respected midfielders," said Thidiela.

Players who are likely to make the cut in the final squad are defenders Zvenyika Makonese and Simphiwe Mkhonza.

If he is registered, Makonese can face his country club Motor Action of Zimbabwe whom Leopards host in the first-leg of the preliminary fixture at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium on the weekend of February 18 and 19.

The second leg is set for Zimbabwe two weeks later.

"We believe doing well in this competition will go a long way in inspiring the players in the league campaign," said Thidiela whose players are scrapping for survival in the Absa Premiership where they are second from bottom on the log.

Leopards squad that was submitted to Caf last week is:

Mongezi Bobe, Nkosiyabo Xakane, Lucky Sibiya, Harry Nyirenda, Vincent Mbusela, Posnet Omony, Rodney Ramagalela Davie Banda, Kingston Nkhatha, Edgar Manaka, Khethokwakhe Masuku, Thabo Mongalo, Raymond Manaka, Edward Tshabalala, Thabang Maluleke, Mahlatse Maake, Alpheus Leping, David Zulu, Jabulani Nkosi, Azwindini Maphapha, Thomsa Madimba, Samuel Mabunda, Luyolo Mapolisa, Moses Kwena and Mxolisi Khoza.