THE presence of seven countries from the Cosafa region at the Afcon finals will come with a significant footprint for the PSL. South Africa will be joined by Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe as the region gets to have its largest representation ever at the Nations Cup.
It means Palancas Negras, The Zebras, The Coelacanths, The Mambas, Bafana Bafana, Chipolopolo, and The Warriors will all be on the flights to Morocco next year.
The Bafana Bafana squad is just about all made up of players from South African Premiership clubs, while Angola have Orlando Pirates winger Gilberto. Kaizer Chiefs defender Inacio Miguel will hope to put himself in the picture after being a late call-up to the previous edition of the tournament.
In making their second appearance at the continental showpiece, Botswana are led by Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe and have several players who previously played on these shores in Thabang Sesinyi, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Lebogang Ditsele, Mpho Kgaswane, and Kabelo Dambe, amongst others, who have played across the border. Mozambique still have ex-PSL superstar Elias Pelembe and could still turn to Edmilson Dove and Manuel Kambala by the time the tournament gets underway.
The number of Zambians in the PSL has decreased, but they still have Gamphani Lungu and Augustine Mulenga.
For Zimbabwe - their standing as the strongest football-playing nation bordering South Africa has always meant they have the biggest numbers in. the PSL and it is no surprise this time as well. Washington Arubi, Daniel Msendami, Douglas Mapfumo, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Divine Lunga, Knox Mutizwa, Elvis Chipezeze, and Edmore Chirambadare are some in the PSL, while they have plenty in their squad who have played in the PSL before.
Khama Billiat, Teenage Hadebe, Marshall Munetsi, Walter Musona, Prince Dube, Gerald Takwara, and Munashe Garananga have all played in South Africa before.
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