Bafana starting XI

KickOff.com offers our suggested started XI for the international friendly in Sao Paulo.

Goalkeeper: Moeneeb Josephs
Gordon Igesund's request for Moeneeb Josephs to return to the national frame is telling, it is not as if the country is particularly lacking depth in this area. Itumeleng Khune has World Cup experience, Wayne Sandilands is an excellent stopper, while Darren Keet has been in the Belgian League Team of the Week for the last three weeks running and is in fine form at Kortrijk. But Igesund is a big Josephs fan having worked with him before at Ajax Cape Town.

Right-back: Siboniso Gaxa
It would seem unlikely that Igesund would fly Gaxa all the way to Brazil to arrive on the eve of the game if he was not going to start him. Had he had other plans, Gaxa could have met up with the squad in Mbombela. He brings the experience of 50 caps and the ability to play on the right or the left.

Centre-back: Siyabonga Sangweni
A top performer for Bafana and Orlando Pirates over recent years, he should be an automatic choice.

Centre-back: Bevan Fransman
Fransman may just about edge Bongani Khumalo given that the latter only had his first training session with the team on Thursday. Fransman has also been in good form for SuperSport United this season so far.

Left-back: Punch Masenamela
There are a number of good candidates for the left-back position, but Mamelodi Sundowns' Masenamela proved his worth as a replacement for the injured Tsepo Masilela in the June World Cup qualifiers.

Defensive midfield: Kagisho Dikgacoi
Dikgacoi has experience and good form this season in a struggling Crystal Palace side. He will be given the tough job of marking Brazil's playmakers.

Defensive midfield: Reneilwe Letsholonyane
The hard-working Letsholonyane could be asked to play more of a box-to-box style, supporting the attack when the side is going forward, falling back to in front of the back-four when on defence.

Right midfield: Thulani Serero
The Ajax Amsterdam youngster is finally injury-free and has been in excellent form for the Dutch side this season. His last performance for them produced two goals and a red card …

Central midfield: May Mahlangu
Mahlangu will likely play the role that would have been taken up by the injured Steven Pienaar in support of the lone striker, forming a ‘front-two' when the team is on attack.

Left midfield: Siphiwe Tshabalala
The Kaizer Chiefs winger often flatters to deceive in a Bafana jersey, but is also a player who rises to the big occasion. Capable of the spectacular, South Africa will need his left foot to be on song.

Striker: Benni McCarthy
Assuming McCarthy overcomes his tight calf, he is likely to lead the line, using his experience to hold up the ball and bring in the likes of Serero, Parker and Tshabalala around him. His experience and guile will be crucial and he could be a good foil for the more mobile players around him.

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