AFTER Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Cameroon, there’s less number of SA based players representatives who were called in this year’s tournament.
Because Bafana had qualified for the 2019 Afcon finals in Egypt, 45 players who were contracted to clubs in SA, represented their countries four years ago.
Now because no Bafana qualified for Afcon finals, who provided the bulk of the players which was 17 then, this year’s number has shrunk.
SA based players who were called up by their countries for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations that will get under way in Cameroon on Sunday, 9 January, having been delayed a year by the coronavirus pandemic, are only 14 players.
Zimbabwe, who had the second majority of players then which was 14 in Egypt who were playing in the PSL, this time only has five.
Another nation who provided the bulk of SA players in Egypt finals was Namibia, who had seven, however, in this year’s event they couldn’t qualify.
Madagascar, who was the surprise packages in the tournament in Egypt, had one player based in SA which was Andriamirado Aro Hasina known as “Dax” of Kaizer Chiefs, but could not qualify for this year’s event. Even if they did, they have no player playing in Mzansi PSL this time.
Burundi had Chippa United defender Frederick Nsabiyumba, but again his country did not make it this time.
SunSport brings you players who have been announced for the tournament by their respective countries, which culminates with the final on 6 February.
To allow teams to cater for any Covid cases, coaches have name 28-man squads, with five extra players above the regular tournament regulations.
The list is in alphabetical order:
The Gambia: (Modou Jobe (Black Leopards, South Africa).
Ivory Coast: Badra Ali Sangare (JDR Stars)
Malawi: Dennis Chembezi (Polokwane City), Limbikani Mzava (AmaZulu), Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC), Frank Mhango (Orlando Pirates), Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane City)
Nigeria: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs), Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates).
Zimbabwe: Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars), Gerald Takwara (Venda Football Academy), Onismor Bhasera and Kuda Mahachi (SuperSport United, Ishmael Wadi (JDR Stars).
