Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba has announced his 25-man squad to face Burkina Faso and Ghana in back to back matches.

South Africa takes on the Stallions in their opening match of the World Cup Russia 2018 Qualifiers on October 8 at Stade Du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou.

Mashaba has made several changes to the squad that played against Mauritania and Egypt earlier this month.

Erick Mathoho returns to the squad after missing out on the two matches following his recovery from an injury he sustained at the Rio Olympics Games.

Also making his comeback is fellow defender Rivaldo Coetzee who was withdrawn from the two previously matches through illness.

Meanwhile, Oupa Manyisa, Thulani Serero, Eleazor Rodgers, Brighton Mhlongo, May Mahlangu and Ayanda Patosi have also been recalled to the Bafana Bafana squad.

However, three days later Bafana Bafana will face Ghana in an international friendly match that will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Kick-off has been set for 20:00.

South Africa’s 25-man Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Jackson Mabokwane

Itumeleng Khune

Brighton Mhlongo

Defenders:

Ramahlwe Mphahlele

Rivaldo Coetzee

Thulani Hlatshwayo

Abbubaker Mobara

Diamond Thopola

Tebogo Langerman

Eric Mathoho

Thabo Matlaba

Midfielders:

Dean Furman

May Mahlangu (Romania)

Thulani Serero (Holland)

Oupa Manyisa

Ayanda Patosi (Belgium)

Keagan Dolly

Maphosa Modiba

Mpho Makola

Hlompho Kekana

Strikers:

Eleazar Rodgers

Thamsanqa Gabuza

Thbani Mcwango

Sibusiso Vilakazi

Tokelo Rantie (Turkey)