Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos has named his final 23-man squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
The Belgian mentor initially named a preliminary 50-man squad but has now whittled that down by almost half as the competition draws near to kick-off.
The most notable absentee for Bafana is Burnley striker Lyle Foster, who asked not to be included due to mental health issues.
Broos said on iDiski Times: “I have had a lot of contact in the last few weeks with Burnley, especially with the coach, Vincent Kompany.
“At first they (Burnley) said ‘forget it, he will not be at the AFCON, but we selected him in the provisional squad because you never know.’
“I was surprised when he played a half (Foster came on as a half time substitute at home to Everton, and has subsequently started games against Fulham and Liverpool)
“I phoned Kompany and I said ‘what is this? I don’t understand’. He explained that he (Foster) had played 45 minutes, but he was not ready (for Bafana), there was still a danger of the same (mental health) problem.”
Full Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego, NkosinathiSibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Mothobi Mvala
Midfielders: Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Thabang Monare, Thapelo Maseko
Strikers: Thapelo Morena, Themba Zwane, Zakhele Lepasa, Oswin Appollis, Mihlali Mayambela, Percy Tau, Evidence Makgopa