Stuart Baxter is hoping to add fresh hope to Bafana Bafana’s Afcon qualifying campaign.
Ahead of the September 8 clash with Libya in Durban, Baxter yesterday named Lebo Mothiba and Percy Tau in his attack as they look to fast-track their way to Cameroon next year.
Hitman Mothiba has two goals in his two matches for South Africa at the age of 22, while 23-year-old Tau has found the back of the net in Europe this season.
Also bringing down average age in the squad are 21-year-old midfielders Siphesihle Ndlovu and Teboho Mokoena.
In the backline, Motjeka Madisha provides cover at centreback.
And Baxter says: “The average age is 26.4 and that shows we are bringing in young players and creating a new squad. This is not a publicity stunt.
“We have had an 11-man swing from our last qualifier against Senegal (a World Cup qualifiers last year), but that doesn’t mean those who have been left out are not part of the bigger picture."
Bafana and Libya are tied to on three points at the top of Group E.
SA beat Nigeria in their Afcon opener last year and will face Seychelles in Joburg a little over a month after facing Libya, who thrashed Seychelles 5-1.
Bafana Bafana squad
Goalkeepers:
Itumeleng Khune, Darren Keet, and Ronwen Williams. Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Sifiso Hlanti, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Motjeka Madisha, Siyanda Xulu, Innocent Maela, Buhle Mkhwanazi. Midfielders: Dean Furman, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Hlompho Kekana, Bongani Zungu, Teboho Mokoena, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Sibusiso Vilakazi. Strikers: Themba Zwane, Keagan Dolly, Percy Tau, Lebo Mothiba, Bradley Grobler.