Lakay, Mudau get Bafana shot as Broos names 23-man squad for Guinea, France friendlies

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has selected a 23-man squad for the upcoming international friendly matches against Guinea and France at the end of the month.

Last week, the Belgium mentor named a 29-man preliminary squad.

He has now dropped seven players, namely, Brandon Peterson (Kaizer Chiefs), Sbonelo Cele (Golden Arrows), Veluyeke Zulu (Chippa United), Rivaldo Coetzee, Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows), Mduduzi Mdantsane (CT City).

Meanwhile, the 69-year-old has kept Sundowns defender Lyle Lakay in the squad following calls from fans to give the left-back a chance in national colours.

Khuliso Mudau, who has put in fantastic performances for Masandawana, also made the final cut.

Broos made an interesting call in adding Sundowns midfield ace Mothobi Mvala, who initially did not making the preliminary squad. He will now fly to Belgium and France with the squad.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Goodman Mosele is also back in the squad after failing to honour his call-up to the national team last year for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia.

Percy Tau and Fagrie Lakay, who both ply their trade in Egypt for Al Ahly and Pyramids FC, respectively, are also picked.

The senior men's national team will face Guinea, instead of Zambia, as previously stated, in Belgium on Friday, 25 March (kick-off is at 19:00 SA time). 

Meanwhile, four days later on Tuesday, 29 March (22:00 SA time), Bafana Bafana will face world champions France in Lille.

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu).

Defenders

Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Siyanda Xulu (Free Agent), Terrence Mashego (CT City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Golden Arrows), Rushine De Reuck, Lyle Lakay, Khuliso