KV Kortrijk striker Lars Veldwijk is expected to make his Bafana Bafana debut during the international friendly against Mozambique on Tuesday.
The 1.97m striker missed South Africa’s dramatic 2-1 win over Senegal on Saturday. However, Owen Da Gama, the stand-in coach after Shakes Mashaba’s suspension, is expected to ring the changes in Maputo.
‘We need competition in all positions in the team, hence we will use Tuesday’s friendly to look at other options. This is good for the team,’ Da Gama told media on Monday.
Surprisingly, Veldwijk was overlooked by Mashaba against the Lions of Teranga, but is expected to make his national debut in the more relaxed environment of a friendly at the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto Stadium.
Da Gama has been forced into at least one change, with defender Rivaldo Coetzee picking up an ankle injury.
The match kicks off at 19:00.
SA squad:
Strikers: Eleazar Rodgers, Bradley Grobler, Lars Veldwijk, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Thulani Serero, Thuso Phala
Midfielders: Tiyani Mabunda, Andile Jali, May Mahlangu, Ayanda Patosi, Keagan Dolly, Daine Klate, Mpho Makola, Hlompho Kekana
Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Clayton Daniels, Asavela Mbekile, Deolin Mekoa, Eric Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Itumeleng Khune, Brighton Mhlongo