Pretoria - Ajax Amsterdam sensational midfielder, Thulani Serero, has been included in the 23-man squad to face five-time champions, Brazil, in an international friendly match to be played at FNB Stadium on Wednesday, March 5.
Kick-off is 7pm.
Last year, Bafana coach Gordon Igesund kicked Serero out of the camp before Bafana’s game against Botswana in Durban for allegedly faking an injury.
The squad has an average age of 24 years and the bulk is from the team that defeated World and European Champions Spain 1-0 at the same venue in November last year.
After announcing the team, Igesund said: “It is not every day that one gets to play against five-time world champions. This is a great opportunity for us to continue from where we left off against Spain last year.
“They are the hosts of the 2014 World Cup, so they will definitely be taking this match seriously, as you can see from the squad they have selected.”
When the two national teams played in Sao Paolo, Brazil, the 2010 FIFA World Cup host narrowly lost 1-0.
“I also have a lot of confidence in the squad I have selected and I believe we will be very competitive on the night. This should be a very good challenge for the players,” Igesund.
Tickets for this match are already on sale at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide.
They are going for R50 for the top tier; R200 for the middle tier and R100 for the bottom tier.
Bafana squad goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Ronwen Williams, defenders Thabo Nthete, Bongani Khumalo, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Siyanda Xulu, Anele Ngcongca, Thato Mokeke and Thabo Matlaba.
Midfielders: Dean Furman, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Daylon Claasen, Thulani Serero, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Ayanda Patosi, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Bongani Zungu and Hlompho Kekana.
Strikers are Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie and Dino Ndlovu.
Brazil also released a squad of 16 players based in Europe to take on Bafana Bafana. Brazilian squad, goalkeeper: Julio Cesar. Defenders Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Dante, Dani Alves, Rafinha, Marcelo.
Midfielders: Paulinho, Fernandinho, Luiz Gustavo, Ramires, Oscar and Willian. Strikers are Neymar, Hulk and Bernard. - SAnews.gov.za
