Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane has been rewarded for his consistency with a Bafana Bafana call up.
The Chiefs midfield supremo was named in coach Shakes Mashaba's 26-man squad on Thursday to play Congo Brazzaville in back-to-back 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.
The 32 year-old Letsholonyane, who comes in at the expense of 23 year-old defensive midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo of FC Twente in Dutch league, was a notable omission last month when Mashaba announced his first squad since taking over Gordon Igesund for the duels against Sudan and Nigeria.
Letsholonyane is playing out of his skin this season for the on-form Glamour-boys, with his name among the league’s top goal-scorers with six goals from league and cup competitions.
He has been an influential figure for Amakhosi this season, partnering well with Zimbabwean Willard Katsande.
In an interview with the Sowetan last week, the midfielder said “I don’t have a problem if I’m called up or not. If I’m selected it’s fine, if not, it’s also fine,” he said.
That he will walk into the starting line-up is debatable as the partnership of Andile Jali and Dean Furman looking certain to keep their places in the team after solid displays in the past two matches.
Should Letsholonyane get game time in the back-to-back matches against Congo, he'll reach his 50th cap since his debut in September 2008 against Malawi.
Other notable names that got the nod to face Congo-Brazzaville clash next month are Orlando Pirates’ hit-man Kermit Erasmus and Ajax Amsterdam’s Thulani Serero.
Bafana Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers: Senzo Meyiwa, Darren Keet, Dumisani Msibi.
Defenders: Anele Ngcongca, Ayabulela Magqwaka, Sibusiso Khumalo, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Kwanda Mngonyama, Erick Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Tefu Mashamaite.
Midfielders: Andile Jali, Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Oupa Manyisa, Dean Furman, Thulani Serero, Mandla Masango, Keagan Dolly, Reneilwe Letsholonyane.
Strikers: Tokelo Rantie, Bongani Ndulula, Kermit Erasmus, Fagrie Lakay.old
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