South Africa name squad for Repubic of Ireland friendly

South Africa coach Joel Santana has included strikers Mabhuti Khenyeza and Richard Henyekane in his 24-man squad for the match against Ireland in Thomond Park early next month.

The Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows pair, who missed out on selection for the Confederations Cup, were among the fresh faces selected by the Brazilian coach as preparations for the 2010 World Cup hosts continued to gather pace.

Defender Anele Ngongca, who plays for Genk in Belgium, receives his first call-up to the Bafana Bafana set-up, while there are also recalls for fellow defender Bevan Fransman from Maccabi Netanya and goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters, who plays for local side Bloemfontein Celtic.

Santana, whose side face Germany in Leverkusen on September 5 and Ireland in Lumeric on September 8, said: “The two games will be a real test for Bafana as both Germany and Ireland are highly rated.

“They have not lost in their 2010 World Cup qualifiers.”

South Africa squad: Brian Baloyi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld), Shu-Aib Walters (Bloemfontein Celtic); Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Morgan Gould (Supersport United), Bongani Khumalo (Supersport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos), Anele Ngongca (Genk), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham), Benson Mhlongo (Orlando Pirates), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Siyabonga Nkosi (Supersport United), Steven Pienaar (Everton), Macbeth Sibaya (Ruban Kazan), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Elrio van Heerden (Blackburn); Richard Henyekane (Golden Arrows), Mabhuti Khenyeza (Mamelodi Sundowns), Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bernard Parker (FC Twente).