Bruce Bvuma, Tercious Malepe and Thabo Cele are amongst seven changes named in the Bafana Bafana squad to face Botswana in the Cosafa Cup Plate semi-finals, says Stuart Baxter. 

The South African national team were unable to defend their title after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Tanzania in the tournament’s quarter-finals.

The Bafana Bafana head coach named five uncapped players in his starting eleven as goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma comes in to make his debut in place of Boalefa Pule, who starts on the bench.

Thendo Mukumela and Mario Booysen retain their places at right back and defence respectively.

However, South African U20 captain Tercious Malepe is expected to make his first appearance for Bafana Bafana at left back, while Mothobi Mvala, who makes his debut slots in alongside Booysen.

Lehlogonolo Masalesa will continue with his duty as captain in the midfield together with debutant Thabo Cele after being recalled to the squad.

Riyaad Norodien will keep his place at right wing while debutant Nduduzo Sibiya will be deployed in the left wing.

Lebogang Maboe and Mohau Mokate are both expected to get their first start against Botswana in midfield to add to Bafana’s strike force.

Meanwhile, Pule, Innocent Maela, Lorenzo Gordinho, Judas Moseamedi, Liam Jordan, Cole Alexander and Jamie Webber will all start on the bench against Botswana.

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to take on Botswana in the Cosafa Cup Plate semi-finals at the Moruleng Stadium on Tuesday.

Kick-off has been set for 17:00.

Bafana Bafana XI vs Botswana

Bruce Bvuma, Tercious Malepe, Mario Booysen, Mothobi Mvala, Thendo Mukumela, Lehlogonolo Masalesa, Thabo Cele, Lebogang Maboe, Riyaad Norodien, Mohau Mokate, Nduduzo Sibiya.

Substitutions:

Darren Johnson, Boalefa Pule, Lorenzo Gordinho, Sandile Mthethwa, Sibongakonke Mbatha, Judas Moseamedi, Jamie Webber, Cole Alexander, Liam Jordan, Innocent Maela.