Mashaba goes for big guns

Baby Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba will roll out the big guns when he names his under-23 squad this morning.

Mashaba will be hoping that the inclusion of PSL star players will help the under-23 national side move into the last phase of next year's London Olympic qualifiers.

Mashaba's team were beaten 3-1 by Benin in the first leg away two weeks ago. South Africa now need to score two goals more than their opposition to make it to the next stage of qualification.

This weekend's second leg encounter does not fall under the Fifa calendar, which means clubs are not obliged to release players. But because it is now the off-season, Mashaba should be able to pick a full-strength squad.

The PSL stars who are eligible to play for the u-23s include Thulani Serero, Kermit Erasmus, Andile Jali and George Maluleka.

Mashaba can expect a big fan turnout at home in support of Baby Bafana.

A win for the South African under-23s will send them into an eight-team tournament to be held in December, with the top three teams qualifying for the London Games.

The fourth-placed team will be involved in a play-off with an opponent from the Asian Football Confederation.

POSSIBLE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (KV Kortrijik), Brilliant Khuzwayo (Amazulu), Boalefa Pule (Platinum Stars)

Defenders: Siyabonga Zulu and Sibusiso Mxoyana (both Pirates), Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Swallows), Doctor Mampuru (ALS Puk Tawana), Eric Mathoho (Celtic), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Ajax), Gladwin Shitolo (Cosmos)

Midfielders: Andile Jali (Pirates), Bongolethu Jayiya (Wits), Thandani Ntshumayelo (Supersport), Kamohelo Mokotjo (Feyenoord), Mandla Masango (Chiefs), Sameehg Doutie (Ajax), Themba Zwane (Sundowns), Christopher Flandorp (Wits), Thami Sangweni (Amazulu).

Strikers: Bongani Ndulula (Pirates), Kermit Erasmus (Supersport), Thulani Serero (Ajax), Phumelele Bhengu (Bay United).