SA clubs well represented in Afcon
A total of 26 South African-based footballers will compete in the African Nations Cup, the majority of them in the Bafana Bafana squad but other representing Ghana, Niger, Togo and the defending champions Zambia.
Kaizer Chiefs, with seven players in the South Africa squad, have the biggest single representation followed by five for champions Orlando Pirates, including Zambia marksman Collins Mbesuma.
A further 10 clubs have players at the tournament, including Thanda Royal Zulu of the National First Division. Their recent signing Boubacar Talatou of Niger was previously on the books at Pirates.
The tournament will also feature players formerly in the PSL like Chris Katongo, Isaac Chansa and James Chamanga of Zambia and the former Free State defender Jonathan Mensah, now first choice at centre back for Ghana’s Black Stars.
Ghana have also picked Mohamed Awal of Maritzburg United in their 23-man squad and gave him a first cap as a second half substitute on Sunday night as they beat Tunisia 4-2 in a warm-up friendly in Abu Dhabi.
SA BASED PLAYERS AT NATIONS CUP
Bloemfontein Celtic: Thabo Nthethe
Chippa United: Daouda Kassaly
Free State Stars: Noah Chivuta, Kennedy Mweene, Sadate Ouro Akoriko, Dove Wome
Kaizer Chiefs: Siboniso Gaxa, Itumeleng Khune, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Tsepo Masilela, Bernard Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala
Lamontville Golden Arrows: Joseph Musonda
Mamelodi Sundowns: Wayne Sandilands, Katlego Mphela
Maritzburg United: Mohamed Awal
Moroka Swallows: Lerato Chabangu
Orlando Pirates: Oupa Manyisa, Thabo Matlaba, Collins Mbesuma, Senzo Meyiwa, Siyabonga Sangweni
SuperSport United: Davies Nkausu
Platinum Stars: Thuso Phala
Thanda Royal Zulu: Boubacar Talatou
