By Mazola Molefe
Returning national soccer coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira, wanted Benni McCarthy back in the national team.
Bafana Bafana assistant coaches Pitso Mosimane and Jairo Leal announced the squad, in Sandton moments ago, and surprisingly added the controversial Blackburn striker.
Depending on his fitness, McCarthy will play for the national team in friendly internationals against Japan on November 14 and Jamaica on November 17.
It was decided that the Blackburn striker’s experience and influence would bode well for the younger members of the squad, the assistant coaches told media.
Parreira was not present at the team announcement. He arrived in South Africa this morning.
Parreira resigned as national soccer coach last year, but was reinstated last month after his replacement, Joel Santana was sacked.
Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers: Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Darren Keet (Wits) Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo, Morgan Gould (both Supersport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England), Anele Ngcongca (Genk FC), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Pirates)
Midfielders: Daylon Classen (Ajax Amsterdam, Holland), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham, England), Daine Klate (Supersport), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala (both Kaizer Chiefs), Teko Modise (Pirates), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Elrio van Heerden (Blackburn Rovers, England)
Strikers: Kermit Erasmus (SBV Excelsior Rotterdam, Holland), Mabhuti Khenyeza, Katlego Mphela (both Sundowns), Benni McCarthy (Blackburn Rovers, England), Bernard Parker (FC Twente, Holland).
