Patosi put in big Bafana basket

GORDON Igesund yesterday called up little-known Belgium-based striker Ayanda Patosi for the friendly against Malawi next weekend. Patosi is a player who could give Bafana some X-factor for next year's Africa Cup of Nations.

The Cape Town-born player, who helped Lokeren win the Belgian Cup and qualify for the Europa League, took the Belgian League by storm this year and was dubbed a "new sensation" by British media.

"I've been watching DVDs of Patosi play and he's done a really good job for his team, Lokeren," Igesund said.

"He's scoring goals, he's doing well and he needs to be looked at very closely. And that is why I've called him up.

"I need to spread my wings far and make sure that we are represented by a very strong team that can do the job. You must remember, I'm preparing the team for a tournament and not for the 2018 World Cup. I need to see Patosi in a live situation now and I have a friendly game and a few games between ourselves to do that."

Last month, the 20-year-old captured Europe's attention when he scored a magnificent volley against Standard Liege, finishing off a spectacular three-pass attacking move in which the ball never touched the ground. The video went viral on the internet.

But the youngster has one game and a four-day training camp to surge ahead of Sifiso Myeni, Thuso Phala and May Mahlangu in the pecking order for right wing.

With time running out, Igesund picked an additional 12 players to join the 24 players announced yesterday. The 36 players will assemble for camp in Johannesburg on December 27.

Igesund will name his final 23-man Africa Cup of Nations squad on December 30, rather than the initially given date of January 9.

Bafana face Norway and Algeria in friendlies before the Nations Cup starts on January 19.

The Orlando Pirates duo of Senzo Meyiwa and Daine Klate have both produced stellar performances in the Premier Soccer League.

Pirates gloveman Meyiwa also outshone Bafana's first choice Itumeleng Khune, of Chiefs, when the two Sowetan sides played to a draw at the weekend.

"There are three goalkeeper positions available but there are four quality goalkeepers at the moment.

"Khune, Darren Keet, Wayne Sandilands and Senzo have got to compete for the places in the final squad. It's very healthy that these players are kept on their toes and all four deserve to be fighting for a place," Igesund said.

"The bulk of the squad will come from this group of players. Obviously I will have to assess other situations later but I can only call up so many players.

"Benni McCarthy and Katlego Mphela [who are part of the additional 12] have got a race against time to get themselves fit.

"We'll have a good look at them and help them get to a [satisfactory] level of fitness. They need more game time."

Igesund is also holding his breath that Ajax Amsterdam's Thulani Serero returns to match fitness, after a groin injury.

The other players that will link up with the team are Darren Keet, Eric Mathoho, Anele Ngcongca, Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Bongani Khumalo, Ricardo Nunes, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Dean Furman, Serero, McCarthy and Mphela.

SQUAD FOR MALAWI

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Senzo Meyiwa.

Defenders: Siyabonga Sangweni, Bevan Fransman, Thabo Nthethe, Thabo Matlaba, Siyanda Xulu, Tsepo Masilela, Siboniso Gaxa.

Midfielders: Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Lerato Chabangu, Oupa Manyisa, Thuso Phala, Sifiso Myeni, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Delron Buckley, Ayanda Patosi, May Mahlangu, Thanduyise Khuboni, Dane Klate.

Strikers: Bernard Parker, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Tokelo Rantie.