Stellenbosch defender Thabo Moloisane has been added to the South Africa squad for Tuesday’s decisive World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, coming into the squad in place of suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
It is the second successive call-up as cover with the 26-year-old Moloisane belatedly brought into the squad for last month’s clashes against Lesotho and Nigeria as a late replacement.
Mbokazi was dismissed at the end of Friday’s frustrating goalless draw with Zimbabwe in Durban that badly damaged Bafana Bafana’s hopes of going to the World Cup.
Moloisane came into the squad last month and played in the 3-0 win over Lesotho in Bloemfontein after German-based centre back Ime Okon pulled out of the squad through injury.
But Moloisane was not retained in the side for the 1-1 draw with Nigeria where Mbokazi was paired with Siyabonga Ngezana.
For the clash against Zimbabwe, coach Hugo Broos had Mbokazi and Orlando Pirates club mate Nkosinathi Sibisi as the centre back pairing, even though Sibisi has not been playing for the club.
The veteran coach will now have to choose between Sibisi, Malibongwe Khoza, Khulumani Ndamane and Moloisane for the must win game against Rwanda, at Mbombela Stadium (live on SuperSport).