Helman Mkhalele names preliminary Bafana squad for COSAFA Cup

Plenty of young DStv Premiership stars make up the list, including recent debutant Relebohile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates, as well as Europe-bound Shandre Campbell.

Also among the goalkeepers are experienced campaigners Bruce Bvuma, Sipho Chaine, and Melusi Buthelezi, while several Sundowns youngsters like Siyabonga Mabena are also among those pre-selected.

A number of DDC talents are also expected to get a look-in from Mkhalele, who will take charge of the squad during the regional showpiece in place of head coach Hugo Broos, who is excused for non-FIFA sanctioned events.

The squad is expected to be trimmed next week, before the tournament kicks off on 26 June, with the final earmarked for 3 July.

South Africa have been drawn in Group A, alongside neighbours Botswana, Mozambique, and Eswatini.

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Full 45-man preliminary squad:

Goalkeepers: Melusi Buthelezi, Olwethu Mzimela, Sipho Chaine, Bruce Bvuma

Defenders: Zuko Mdunyelwa, Thabang Matuludi, Thabiso Monyane, Sergio Kammies, Deano van Rooyen, Khulekani Shezi, Keanu Cupido, Thabo Maloisane, MacBeth Mahlangu, Simphiwe Mcineka, Keegan Allan, Rushwin Dortley, Thabo Sesane, Athenkosi Mcaba, Bilal Baloyi, Malebogo Modise, Bradley Cross, Samukelo Kabini, Fawaaz Basadien

Midfielders: Thalente Mbatha, Liam Bern, Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Siphesihle Mkhize, Samkelo Zwane, Chumani Butsaka, Antonio van Wyk, Mduduzi Shabalala, Phuso Ditejane, Luvuyo Phewa, Siphesihle Maduna, Ethan Brooks, Rowan Human

Forwards: Relebohile Mofokeng, Devon Titus, Mokibelo Ramabu, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Siyabonga Mabena, Asanele Velebayi, Lesiba Nku, Tshepang Moremi, Shandre Campbell, Mfundo Thikazi, Ashley Cupido, Lehlohonolo Mojela, Lungelo Nguse