In fact, snl24.com/kickoff’s first call to the player was to enquire whether he himself knew about the call-up, as Safa caused much confusion by calling up “Siyabonga Thwala from Chippa”.
But Twala knew nothing about it, exclaiming: "Really? Let me call my manager quickly."
Siyabonga Thwala (with an ‘H’) in fact plays for AmaZulu, and Twitter was abuzz with people wondering which player Igesund wanted – it turns out to be William Twala (without an ‘H’).
The speedy winger, who was on loan at Chippa United from Pirates last season, is one of nine changes to the original squad Igesund called up last month.
So we called Twala back to congratulate him.
“I didn’t expect to be called so soon, I don’t know what to say, it's like I’m dreaming but I’m very happy to be part of the team,” a surprised Twala told snl24.com/kickoff.
“You were the first guy to tell me about this and also my father just confirmed the news to me now.”
Twala has left Cape Town and is set to join up with the Buccaneers for pre-season training.
“At the moment I’m in Johannesburg, going back to Pirates, and it’s up to them if they are going to let me go and join the national team.”
There are no other Pirates players in the Bafana squad, as the club has Champions League commitments. Twala was not named in Bucs' original CAF squad, but Pirates are allowed to add three players before the group stage.