Image of

BLACKBURN Rovers striker Benni McCarthy is back in the Bafana Bafana squad due to popular demand.

McCarthy was named in the squad of 24 players for Bafana’s two friendly matches against Japan on November 14 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth and Jamaica at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein three days later.

President Jacob Zuma, as well as former Bafana stars, Edward Motale, Phil Masinga and Neil Tovey, were among the many South Africans, who have called for McCathy’s return in the wake of the national team’s poor performances – one win in nine matches.

Both Jairo Leal and Pitso Mosimane, who are the national team assistant coaches, also agree that McCarthy’s return is long overdue.

They have revealed that they took the decision after consulting returning Bafana coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, who arrived in the country yesterday morning. “Pitso and I consulted Carlos before we decided to call Benni. He is the country’s main striker and we brought him back to see how he will fit in with the other guys. This is also a good opportunity for him to show people that he can still play for Bafana.’’ Leal said.

“He is a professional and know that he still wants to play for his country. The country needs him to help us before next year’s World Cup.’’

Daylon Classen and Kermit Erasmus, who starred for the national U20 side during the recent Fifa Youth U20 Championships held in Egypt are in the squad. Classen plays for Ajax Amsterdam, while Feyenoord’s Erasmus is on loan to SBV Excelsior Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

“We saw what the two boys (Classen and Erasmus) can do during the Youth World Cup and that’s why we have included them in the squad.

“In fact, Carlos called Erasmus when he was coach before and we have been following Classen’s performances,’’ Leal said. About what is expected from Bafana in the next two matches, Leal said: “We expect a good performance from the team though we cannot promise anything at this moment. We want to build a good team for the World Cup and the players must adapt to the Parreira way of doing things.’’

Port Elizabeth-born SuperSport United midfielder, Daine Klate, has received a long overdue Bafana call-up.

Klate has been on top of his game for the reigning league champions and there were many calls for him to be given yet another chance in the national team. The squad includes three players, who were born in Port Elizabeth, namely Erasmus, Klate and Blackburn midfielder, Elrio van Heerden.

Bafana assemble on Sunday and arrive in Port Elizabeth next Tuesday.

BAFANA SQUAD:

Rowen Fernandez (Armenia Bielefeld, Germany), Darren Keet (Bidvest Wits), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Siyabonga Sangweni (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates), Anele Ngongca (KRC Genk, Belgium), Daylon Claasen (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham, England), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Elrio van Heerden (Blackburn Rovers, England), Daine Klate (SuperSport United), Bernard Parker (FC Twente, Holland), Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mabhuti Khenyeza (Mamelodi Sundowns), Benni McCarthy, (Blackburn Rovers, England), Kermit Erasmus, (Feyenoord, Netherlands).