Bafana Bafana will have to do without the services of Mandla Masango and Lebogang Phiri of Guingamp in France in the 2017 COSAFA CUP.

Masango was on loan from Randers FC and will revert back to his Danish club while Phiri has just joined French side, Guingamp from Brondby FC of Denmark.

Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has called up Jamie Webber of Stellenbosch FC in the National First Division to replace Masango, while Mohau Mokate of Maritzburg United has taken Phiri’s place.

Phiri’s absence leaves the squad with three overseas-based players – Thabo Cele, Liam Jordan (both Portugal) and Lehlogonolo Masalesa (Greece).

South Africa will join the competition in the quarterfinals when they face the winner of Group A on Sunday, 2 July at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Kickoff is at 17h00.

Tanzania, Malawi, Mauritius and Angola are all in Group A.

Baxter will join the squad in camp on Monday, 26 June – shortly after he led Supersport United to a 4-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in the 2017 Nedbank Cup final played in Durban on Saturday, 24 June.

Bafana Bafana will face Platinum Stars in a practice match on Monday afternoon (26 June 2017) as part of preparations for the upcoming COSAFA Castle Cup.

(below is the updated squad)

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD FOR COSAFA CASTLE CUP

NO. PLAYER’S NAME CLUB
 GOALKEEPERS:
1. Darren JOHNSON Ajax Cape Town FC (SA)
2. Bruce BVUMA Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
3. Boalefa PULE Supersport United FC (SA)
 DEFENDERS:
4. Thendo MUKUMELA Mamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)
5. Sandile MTHETHWA Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
6. Mothobi MVALA Highlands Park FC (SA)
7. Mario BOOYSEN Supersport United FC (SA)
8. Tercious MALEPE Orlando Pirates FC (SA)
9. Innocent MAELA Thanda Royal Zulu FC (SA)
10. Lorenzo GORDINHO Kaizer Chiefs FC (SA)
 MIDFIELDERS:
11. Thabo CELE Real Clubbe FC (Portugal)
12. Lebogang MABOE Maritzburg United FC (SA)
13. Sibongakonke MBATHA Bidvest Wits (SA)
14. Nduduzo SIBIYA Golden Arrows FC (SA)
15. Jamie WEBBER Stellenbosch FC (SA)
16. Lehlogonolo MASALESA Larissa (Greece)
17. Mohau MOKATE Maritzburg United (SA)
18. Aubrey NGOMA Cape Town City (SA)
STRIKERS
19. Liam JORDAN Sporting Lisbon (Portugal)
20. Judas MOSEAMEDI Cape Town City FC (SA)