2021 Africa Cup of Nations: Manyama back at South Africa squad as Molefi Ntseki banks on experience for Ghana trip

Bafana Bafana head coach Molefi Ntseki has explained the selection of Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Manyama to the squad to play Ghana and Sudan in the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers this week.

Manyama, who has had a very good start with Amakhosi into the new season, replaces injured Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Themba “Mshishi” Zwane who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury for the past two weeks. Ntseki says Manyama’s confidence will bode well for the team.

Bafana play Ghana at Cape Coast on Thursday evening 19:00 (21:00 SA Time) and host Sudan at Orlando Stadium on Sunday (15:00).

The squad of locally-based players had a light training session this morning at Sturrock Park, they depart for Accra this evening and will link up with the overseas-based players in Accra later tonight before driving to Cape Coast.

This is going to be Ntseki’s first official game after beating Mali 2-1 in an international friendly last month. He says it’s important for this generation of players to achieve something big with Bafana.

Ntseki is also a happy man going to this camp as French-based striker Lebo Mothiba scored a brace for RC Strasbourg this past weekend with Kamohelo Mokotjo also getting a goal and an assist in the English Championship division.

Away games are always tricky in African football but Bafana have found a way to produce good results on the road in recent years. Ntseki says it’s important for his side to manage this very well from the first whistle.

Ntseki has brought back the experience of Thamsanqa Mkhize and Sifiso Hlanti for these two qualifiers, both players were the first choice fullbacks at the AFCON. It’s going to be much needed against Ghana.