Mashaba names strong squad against Cameroon

Shakes Mashaba has given Bafana Bafana fans some idea of what his team will look like for the opening Africa Cup of Nations match later this month.

The national team face Cameroon in a friendly in Gabon tonight, and Mashaba has gone for a near full-strength side.

Thulani Hlatshwayo and Thabo Matlabo will start on the flanks, with Anele Ngcongca and Rivaldo Coetzee the centre-backs in front of Brilliant Khuzwayo in the absence of the Molomuwandau Mathoho, who is suspended for the opening match.

Dean Furman and Andile Jali return to actor the midfield, with Themba Zwane and Oupa Manyisa out wide and Bernard Parker and the fit-again Tokelo Rantie up-front.

Parker failed to finish a training session this morning after taking a knock to the ankle, but is expected to be ready for the game, which kicks off at 9pm and will be shown live on SABC.

South Africa: Khuzwayo, Hlatshwayo, Matlaba, Coetzee, Ngcongca, Furman, Zwane, Jali, Rantie, Manyisa, Parker. Subs: Keet, Mabokgwane, Mathoho, Nhlapho, Masango, Phala, Letsholonyane, Sangweni, Zungu, Vilakazi, Ndulula