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| Bongani Khumalo |
The match takes place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 7 September, at 15:30.
Strongest
Igesund said the squad was the strongest he could have named. It includes eight overseas-based and 15 South African-based players.
Thulani Serero of Ajax Amsterdam, Kamohelo Mokotjo of PEC Zwolle and Crystal's Palace's Kagisho Dikgacoi, like Khumalo, are back in the fold after long absences.
There is consistency at the back where captain Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands and Senzo Meyiwa look after the goalkeeping position. Darren Keet of Belgian club KV Kortrijk has also been included for the Durban clash, but will be available for training only.
He will be available for South Africa's friendly against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, 10 September, at a venue yet to be named.
Returned to form
Khumalo, who has returned to form with Doncaster Rovers, returns to the defence for the first time since the Africa Cup of Nations in February. Siyanda Xulu of Russia's FC Rostov is back in the fold after overcoming an injury.
"This has been a difficult exercise picking the team because there are a lot of players doing very well, more so those based overseas. I had to choose my strongest possible squad for this clash with Botswana, because that's where all my focus is right now," Igesund told the media.
"The match against Botswana is a huge game for us."
"We need to go there and do what we have to do - win this game. Our fate will be decided by the outcome of the match between CAR and Ethiopia. But I can't focus on something we have no control over. What we have to do is make sure we win our game. But I am confident we will beat Botswana with the team I have chosen."
Played simultaneously
The last two qualifying games will be played simultaneously, with the CAR playing their home game against Ethiopia in Brazzaville in the Congo because of an unstable political situation at home.
Ethiopia leads Group A on 10 points, two ahead of the second-placed South Africa, while Botswana is third with seven points. CAR is out of contention on three points. Bafana Bafana have a better goal difference than the Walia Antelopes – plus four to plus one.
Tickets for the match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium are on sale at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers outlets around the country. They are selling for R50 and R100.
Significantly changed
Bafana Bafana will be significantly changed for their friendly game against Zimbabwe. They will be without their overseas-based player, as well as players from Orlando Pirates, who will be in action in the Confederation of African Football's (Caf) Champions League against AC Leopards of the Congo.
Bucs striker Kermit Erasmus will, however, turn out for South Africa as he is not registered for the Champions League.
"The squad to play Zimbabwe will consist of local-based players, without Pirates players, as we look at next year's CHAN (African Nations Championship) tournament that we will host in South Africa," Igesund said.
'Excused'
"I have excused Pirates players as they have to travel to Congo where they have a match three days after our clash with Zimbabwe.
"It was a tough decision again," he explained, "but I don’t see any logic in including them in my squad when they have to play far away three days later. They are representing the country, and everyone wants to see them do well as it will benefit Bafana Bafana in the long run."
Source: http://www.southafrica.info/
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