A chance to shine - Spotlight on new Bafana players

Fringe players Wandisile Letlabika, William Twala and Thabo Mnyamane soaked up all the attention yesterday following their inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad to face Mauritius on Sunday.

South Africa take on the Indian Ocean islanders in the second leg of their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier at the Stade Anjalay. The game kicks off at 1pm.

Speaking shortly after training yesterday, Letlabika, who was called up as a late replacement on the eve of the first leg in Soweto two weeks ago, said: "I've worked with coach Shakes before and I am used to him. For me this has been a smooth transition from my club to the national team because we worked together at under-23 level.

"And the coach has always been a father figure to me. We've come a long way."

The Bloemfontein Celtic defender is aware that he is merely plugging the gap after Mashaba was left with no choice but to widen the pool in his search for available players.

Letlabika, along with Twala and Mnyamane, replaced more senior players who would not have been allowed by their Premier Soccer League clubs to be involved with Bafana outside the Fifa calendar.

The Chan competition is only meant for players playing in the domestic league.

"It's important for me to represent my country and to see the national team progress in this campaign. I think long-term I also want to grab one or two matches in other qualifiers," said Letlabika, who made his debut against Mauritius in the first leg, a 3-0 win for Bafana.

Mnyamane also returned to the Bafana fold when striker Vuyisile Wana was forced to withdraw because of a knee injury.

The University of Pretoria forward became only the third player to score on his national team debut when SA beat Swaziland 3-1 in a friendly match four months ago.

"The selection depends on the coach, but as a player you always want to grab your chance," said Mnyamane.

He said it was important not to undermine Mauritius.