RAYNERS NOT PICKED IN BAFANA AFCON SQUAD

MITCHELLS Plain hotshot Iqraam Rayners was the biggest name left out as coach Hugo Broos named his Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) yesterday.

Rayners, who now plies his trade at Mamelodi Sundowns after leaving Stellenbosch FC last year, is currently joint-second on the PSL top scorers’ list with six goals in 10 matches.

The 29-year-old, who has been placed on standby for the tournament in Morocco, last played for South Africa in their 1-1 draw with Nigeria in September.

While he misses out, Broos has included youngsters Tylon Smith – named the Best Player at the Under-20 Afcon earlier this year – and Shandre Campbell, who has been turning heads in Belgium.

Another notable omissions are forwards Themba Zwane and Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

Rayners, Mduduzi Shabalala and Thabo Moloisane have been named on the standby list.

There were no groot surprises otherwise, as Broos kept faith with the core group who have served the national team well over the last year.

Broos wysed: “We have 23 players I will count on for experience. Smith and Campbell are there for exposure. This is a great opportunity for them to be there.”

Broos believes this year’s squad is in a far better place thanks to the lessons learned at the last Afcon.

He added: “The team became more mature. We got more experienced. The previous Afcon was a very good lesson in how international football is played. It’s not only about quality, but also power and tactics. We learned a lot in Ivory Coast. That helped us qualify for the World Cup.

“This team has become so mature that we are going to Afcon with much more experience than we had two years ago. That’s the biggest change.”

Bafana squad for Afcon:

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams; Sipho Chaine; Ricardo Goss

Defenders: Khulisso Mudau, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazu, Aubrey Moduba, Thabang Matuludi, Khulumani Ndamane, Siyabonga Ngezana, Samkelo Kabini, Tylon Smith

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphephelo Sithole

Strikers: Mohau Nkota, Elias Mokwana, Sipho Mbule, Relebphile Mofokeng, Owsin Appolis, Tshebap Moremi, Evidence Magkopa, Lyle Foster, Shandre Campbell

On standby: Iqraam Rayners, Mduduzi Shabalala, Thabo Moloisane