PSL veteran Daine Klate and KV Kortrijk forward Lars Veldwijk are two of the surprise inclusions in Shakes Mashaba’s squad to face Senegal on November 12, writes WADE PRETORIUS.

Never far from controversy and eyebrow-raising selections, Mashaba has brought Veldwijk in from the wilderness for arguably one of the biggest clashes in recent Bafana history at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

South Africa host Group D leaders Senegal in the World Cup qualifier in desperate need of a positive result after the visitors dispatched Cape Verde Islands in the opening game.

24-year-old Belgium-based Veldwijk recently acquired South African citizenship and will now fight for a place in the starting lineup against recent regular Eleazar Rodgers and Sibusiso Vilakazi. SuperSport United attacking duo Bradley Grobler and Thuso Phala have received somewhat unexpected call-ups with Oupa Manyisa and Thamsanqa Gabuza left out in the cold for the crucial tie.

Wits playmaker Daine Klate is the only surprise name added to Mashaba’s midfield options.

Mamelodi Sundowns defender Asavela Mbekile joins teammates Hlompho Kekana, Tebogo Langerman and Sibusiso Vilakazi in the squad while Clayton Daniels (SuperSport United) joins regular centre backs Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town) and Thulani Hlatswayo (Bidvest Wits) in the squad.

While Itumeleng Khune is expected to keep the gloves, Ronwen Williams has earned a place in the squad with Brighton Mhlongo the final player in the 25-man squad to tackle the Lions of Teranga.

SA squad to face Senegal:

Strikers: Eleazar Rodgers, Bradley Grobler, Lars Veldwijk, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Thulani Serero, Thuso Phala

Midfielders: Dean Furman, Andile Jali, May Mahlangu, Ayanda Patosi, Keagan Dolly, Daine Klate, Mpho Makola, Hlompho Kekana

Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Clayton Daniels, Mbekile, Langerman, Eric Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Itumeleng Khune, Brighton Mhlongo

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix