It will be a veritable who’s who of South African soccer when a South African Invitation XI take on the Lucas Radebe All-Stars in a benefit game for the former Bafana Bafana captain and Leeds United stalwart at King’s Park Stadium in Durban on Saturday night.
Kick-off is at 8.15pm.
The provisional squads were announced on Tuesday and the South African Invitation XI — who will play under the guidance of Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter; his assistant and former Bafana captain Steve Khomphela; and Clive Barker, who was at the coaching helm when South Africa won the African Nations Cup in 1996 — includes a number of players in the current Bafana squad.
Baxter has taken the opportunity to use the benefit game as a trial run for several players recovering from injury before the crucial World Cup qualifier against Ghana at the FNB Stadium the following Saturday — and others who are borderline candidates for the starting line-up in the game against Ghana’s Black Stars.
Players included in the first category are Quinton Fortune, Bradley Carnell and Shaun Bartlett. Beefing up the Bafana representation in the South African Invitation XI are Calvin Marlin, Rowen Fernandez, Siboniso Gaxa, captain Aaron Mokoena, Nasief Morris, Steven Pienaar, Benedict Vilakazi, Benson Mhlongo, Siyabonga Nomvete, Lerato Chabangu and Katlego Mphela.
Radebe, who ended a distinguished but injury-plagued career with Leeds in a similar testimonial game in England last month, will make an appearance for both the South African Invitation XI and the Lucas Radebe All Stars in turn.
The All Stars will be coached by Jomo Sono and feature a host of ex-Bafana stalwarts such as Andre Arendse, John ”Shoes” Moshoeu, Doctor Khumalo, Philemon Masinga, Mark Fish, Neil Tovey, David Nyathi, Helman Mkhalele, Linda Buthelezi and Mark Williams.
The All Stars also include long-time Zimbabwe icon and current Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Ndlovu, but the organisers have warned both squads are subject to change and more players may be added. — Sapa
The squads
SA Invitation XI
Goalkeepers: Calvin Marlin, Rowen Fernandez and Moeneeb Josephs.
Defenders: Lucas Radebe, Siboniso Gaxa, Peter Petersen, Aaron Mokoena, Nasief Morris, Ricardo Katza, Thabiso Rammile and Bradley Carnell.
Midfielders: Arthur Zwane, Benson Mhlongo, Steven Pienaar, Benedict Vilakazi, Gift Leremi, Reagen Noble, Scara Ngobese and Quinton Fortune.
Strikers: Shaun Bartlett, Siyabonga Nomvete, Lerato Chabangu and Katlego Mphela.
Lucas Radebe All Stars
Goalkeepers: Andre Arendse, Brian Baloyi and Steve Crowley.
Defenders: Lucas Radebe, Lucky Lekgwathi, Mark Fish, Neil Tovey, David Kannemeyer, and David Nyathi.
Midfielders: Doctor Khumalo, John ”Shoes” Moshoeu, Jabu Pule, Steve Lekoelea, Thabo Mooki, Jabulani Mendu, Linda Buthelezi, Alfred Phiri, Helman Mkhalele and John Moeti.
Strikers: Philemon Masinga, Peter Ndlovu, Mhabuti Khanyeza, Pollen Ndlanya and Mark Williams.