Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter believes Phakamani Mahlambi and Lebogang Manyama could return to the national team with more game time.

Both forwards were not included in Baxter’s squad for the upcoming 2019 Afcon qualifier with Libya simply because of lack of game time.

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Mahlambi was embroiled in a transfer saga with former club Al Ahly as he looked to move back to South Africa with Mamelodi Sundowns. Mahlambi eventually got his move to Downs but missed a huge chunk of pre-season.

The 20-year-old former Bidvest Wits forward has six caps but was last called up for duty in March when South Africa won the Four Nations tournament in Zambia, and his potential is clear for anyone to see.

New Kaizer Chiefs signing Manyama endured a difficult period in Turkey with Konyaspor, making just 10 appearances before terminating his contract and making the free transfer to Naturena.

The former Cape Town City man was a part of the side who famously beat Nigeria 2-0 in their opening Afcon qualifier and as a former Footballer of the Season in South Africa, he undoubtedly has the quality to add to Baxter’s options.

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Speaking to the media about the possibility of the two players being brought back into the national team frame, the Brit said, ‘Both Phakamani and Lebo have not played for too long.

‘They’ve had issues with their clubs; either the coach didn’t fancy them and they didn’t get enough game time or maybe they got their heads down and got a little depressed about the whole situation,’ Baxter added.

‘If they get back in football and do what they do well, there’s every chance that they’ll get back into the squad.’

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