8 June 2018 – Bafana Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has announced the starting eleven to face Botswana in the 2018 COSAFA Castle Cup Plate final and made just one forced change to the team that beat Namibia 4-1 in the semi-final.
South Africa and Botswana face off tonight (Friday, 8 June 2018) at New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane at 17h00.
Baxter has kept the bulk of the squad that played against Namibia, and handed a new cap to Paseka Mako who comes in for the suspended Fortune Makaringe – he received two yellow cards in the opening match (vs Madagascar) and the in the second fixture (vs Namibia).
Reyaad Pieterse will start his third match in a row in goals.
The three-man defence remains intact – captain Siyanda Xulu, Motjeka Madisha and Ngezana.
Wiseman Meyiwa is in the middle of the park alongside Maphosa Modiba, with Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu on the wings.
Gift Links and Lebohang Maboe will play just behind striker Ryan Moon.
In the second match of the day (19h30), Lesotho will take on Madagascar in the 3rd/4thplace play off at the same venue.
Here’s how they will line up:
Bafana Bafana 11 vs Botswana – Plate Final:
Reyaad Pieterse (GK), Siyanda Xulu (c), Motjeka Madisha, Siyabonga Ngezana, Maphosa Modiba, Paseka Mako, Wiseman Meyiwa, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Gift Links, Lebohang Maboe, Ryan Moon,
Subs:
Bruce Bvuma (GK), Khulekani Kubheka (GK), Tareeq Fielies, Jamie Webber, Abednigo Mosiatlhaga, Lyle Foster, Luther Singh
Coach: Stuart Baxter