The Left Out United; Bafana’s Sea Of Depth

Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba

South Africa

While many avid South African football followers took to Twitter, Facebook, sports shows and their nearest watering holes to vent their frustrations at the 23 warriors selected by our Commander in Chief to defend the pride of the nation on Mama Africa’s grandest stage, one could not help but feel as if most were acting more on emotion and less on the dying art of reasoning. We took it upon ourselves at GSV to call in our talent scout and let him give you his take on which unselected players he would have called up to his Left Out United, a side of players probably watching this 2015 African Cup of Nations with a very keen eye; we feel as though his selection outlines just how much depth Mzansi has at her disposal going forward.

The starting unit would line up in a very creative and relatively experienced 4-2-3-1.

GK – Ronwen Williams [Jananuary 21^st, 1992] (23) {SuperSport United FC}

RB – Ramahlwe Mphahlele [February 1^st, 1990] (24) {Mamelodi Sundowns FC}

RCB – Siyanda Xulu [December 30^th, 1991] (23) {FC Rostov}

LCB – Buhlebuyeza Mkhwanazi [February 1^st, 1990] (24) {BidVest Wits FC}

LB – Sibusiso Khumalo [September 7^th, 1989] (25) {SuperSport United FC}

B2B – Kamohelo Mokotjo [March 11^th, 1991] (23) {FC Twente}

DLP – May Mahlangu [May 1^st, 1989] (25) {IFK Göteborg}

AMR – Keagan Dolly [January 22^nd, 1993] (22) {Ajax Cape Town FC}

AMC – Thulani Serero [April 11^th, 1990] (24) {Ajax Amsterdam}

AML – Ayanda Patosi [October 31^st, 1992] (22) {KSC Lokeren}

CF – Kermit Erasmus [July 8^th, 1990] (24) {Orlando Pirates FC}

Bench

GK – Itumeleng Khune [May 26^th, 1987] (27) {Kaizer Chiefs FC}

GK – Dumisani Msibi [May 1^st, 1995] (19) {SuperSport United FC}

RB – Thabo Moloi [March 23^rd, 1994] (20) {SuperSport United FC}

RB/CB – Tshepo Gumede [April 21^st, 1991] (23) {Platinum Stars FC}

CB – Ayabulela Makqwaka [January 12^th, 1996] (19) {Ajax Cape Town}

CB – Kwandakwensizwa Mngonyama [September 25^th, 1993] {Maritzburg United FC}

LB – Thato Mokeke [August 7^th, 1990] (24) {SuperSport United FC}

DM/B2B – Phumlani Ntshangase [December 24^th, 1994] (20) {BidVest Wits FC}

B2B/DLP – Travis Graham [May 8^th, 1993] (21) {Ajax Cape Town}

AM/AF – Nhlakanipho Ntuli [February 10^th, 1996] (18) {FC Twente}

AF/CF- Fagrie Lakay [May 31^st, 1997] (17) {Engen Santos FC}

AF/CF – Puleng Tlolane [March 21^st, 1991] (23) {Polokwane City FC}

Average Age: 22

With abundant talent already on duty in Equatorial Guinea, it should warm the heart of any avid Mzansi Diski supporter to see even more talented young lads sitting at home waiting to get the call to be sent forth as the national team seeks to continue building for 2018 and beyond; even after the confetti rains down on the winners of this 30^th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, hopefully with Bafana Bafana underneath it, South Africans across the fraternity should keep in mind that they have a sea of depth in reserve and that their talented young lads will continue to grow and bring them great success in the future. Shakes Mashaba may have called up the best squad for his immediate requirements, yet it is clear for all to see that his enterprising side can still benefit from a few fresh faces; the national pool has more depth than it has had in recent memory, and Bob’s your Tío, South African football will be better off for it.