Head coach Thabo Senong has made major changes to the Amajita starting line-up that will take on Guinea in the CAF U20 AFCON third/fourth place play-off on Sunday afternoon.
The clash takes place at Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia. Kick-off is at 2pm.
Senong says all the players must get game time as the team is now preparing for the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup, which will take place in South Korea in May.
Goalkeeper Sanele Tshabalala will make his debut. The rearguard sees captain Tercious Malepe partner up with another debutant, Siyabonga Ngezana, at centre back, while Katlego Mohamme returns to the left back position. Aghmat Ceres will get his first run at right back.
Grant Margeman and Wiseman Meyiwa will continue controlling the tempo of the game in the heart of midfield.
Liam Jordan, Sipho Mbule and Kobamelo Kodisang will be Amajita’s attacking trio, while Itumeleng Shopane is the lone striker upfront.
‘It is imperative that all the players get a run in this tournament, hence the changes. We will keep the same style of play that has made us get this far.
‘Guinea are a great opposition for us as we start preparing for the World Cup and we believe that we can take the bronze medal home,’ said Senong.
‘We want to see all the other players, those who haven’t played, how they behave in a match situation.
‘After this tournament we have to sit down with the technical team and start working on the final squad, so giving these players a chance will also help us to make the right decisions,’ said Senong.
The likes of Luther Singh, Thendo Mukumela, Sibongakonke Mbatha and Sandile Mthethwa, who have been ever-present since the start of the tournament, have been rested.
This will be the first-ever meeting between Amajita and Guinea at this level and the action will be broadcast live on SuperSport 9.
Amajita starting XI: Sanele Tshabalala (GK); Katlego Mohamme; Aghmat Ceres; Tercious Malepe (C); Siyabonga Ngezana; Grant Margeman; Wiseman Meyiwa; Liam Jordan; Sipho Mbule; Kobamelo Kodisang; Itumeleng Shopane