Chiefs star in, McCarthy gets maiden call-up as Pitso names Bafana squad for Kenya

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has named just one Kaizer Chiefs player in his preliminary squad set to face Kenya in a double header next month.

South Africa will come up against Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars at Orlando Amstel Arena on November 13 and in Nairobi four days later and Mosimane has named a 38-man provisional squad that also sees ex-Chiefs defender Aden McCarthy earn his maiden call-up.

As expected, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players dominate the team with only midfielder Lebohang Maboe retaining his place from Chiefs.

Chiefs star in as McCarthy gets call-up

Maboe, who returned from injury on Friday as Chiefs suffered CAF Confederation Cup exit, will hope to be involved this time after a knee injury forced him out of the national team camp last month.

Meanwhile, Chiefs academy graduate McCarthy has been rewarded for his impressive form at Azerbaijani club Sabah FK with a first Bafana Bafana call-up while Mbekezeli Mbokazi makes a return to the national team after recovering from an injury that ruled him out last time.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha, Belgian-based Luke Le Roux and Houston Dynamo striker Lyle Foster return to the squad while AmaZulu FC defender Nkosikhona Radebe, Richards Bay striker Nqaba Xulu and Pirates forward Boitumelo Radiopane are among the new inclusions who have been recognised for their great form at their respective clubs.

Bafana looking to maintain great start

Mosimane will trim the squad next month before taking on Kenya as he looks to maintain his perfect record, having won his first three games.

South Africa lead their qualifying group with six points from two games followed by Guinea, who have three, while Kenya and Eritrea have one each.

With Kenya qualified by virtue of being co-hosts, only one other side will seal a ticket from the group, adding pressure on Bafana to keep the winning run.