There will be 10 new faces in the Bafana squad ahead of their FIFA Series friendlies
South Africa face Algeria and Andorra in the FIFA Series international pilot project
Several players who took part in the AFCON 2023 tournament are still out injured

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South Africa head coach, Hugo Broos, has introduced ten new players into his 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Series friendlies this month.

Three players are yet to earn caps, as most were not part of the bronze-winning Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 squad.

Bafana Bafana are scheduled to compete against Andorra and Algeria in the four-team friendly event in Algeria, with matches scheduled for March 21 and 26, respectively.

South Africa during the AFCON 2023 third-place playoff against DR Congo at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny on February 10, 2024. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen. — South Africa will play against Andorra and Algeria in FIFA Series friendlies this month. Photo: Ulrik Pedersen.
Source: Getty Images

The friendlies will mark the debut of the FIFA Series, a biennial invitational football tournament featuring friendly matches between national teams from different confederations, held every March in even-numbered years.

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As reported by FIFA, the initiative's primary goal is to offer member associations increased playing opportunities, especially outside the traditional football powerhouses in Europe and South America. Furthermore, it aims to elevate the sport's competitiveness globally and foster football development across various continents.

This month, five concurrent FIFA Series events are set to occur in Algeria, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, and Saudi Arabia, with the latter hosting two events.

Last week, Broos unveiled a provisional 32-man squad, which included several players from the AFCON squad who are currently nursing injuries. However, he has decided to rest his backup goalkeeper Veli Mothwa for these upcoming games, with Kaizer Chiefs' Bruce Bvuma being the preferred choice.

In defence, Orlando Pirates' Tapelo Xoki, previously on standby for the tournament in Abidjan, has earned a recall alongside former Chiefs defender Siyabonga Ngezana, as reported by iDiski Times.

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In midfield, the 71-year-old has called up Goodman Mosele from Chippa United and SuperSport United's Grant Margeman. Additionally, uncapped Patrick Maswanganyi, the standout performer in the Soweto Derby, has also received a call-up.

Joining them are Stellenbosch's Iqraam Rayners and Elias Mokwana of Sekhukhune United. AmaZulu's emerging talent Mlondi Mbanjwa will aim to make his debut, while Khanyisa Mayo of Cape Town City seeks to notch his first goal at the national team level.