South Africa soccer team head coach Stuart Baxter has named his starting team for the first leg of the third and last round of the 2018 CHAN qualifier aganist Zambia.

Baxter has made five changes in his starting line up from the previous round when they beat Botswana in the second leg of qualifier.

Mbekile who missed the clash due to illness returns to the starting lineup at the expense of Thato Lingwati while Gift Motupa and Dumasi Zuma who started from the bench replaces Masilake Phohlongo and Ismail Wiseman Meyiam with the duo dropped.

Asavela Mbekile who last played for Bafana in November last year in an international friendly match aganist Mozambique is also back in the squad,while Sandile Mthethwagets his first start in Bafana colours.

South Africa and Zambia meet this afternoon (Saturday 12 August) at Buffalo City Stadium in East London.Kick off is at 1500hrs.

Bafana Bafana starting XI vs Zambia: Bruce Bvuma (GK), Asavela Mbekile, Tercious Malepe, Mario Booysen (C), Sandile Mthethwa, Sibusiso Kumalo, Jabulani Shongwe, Jamie Webber, Ryan Moon, Dumisani Zuma, Gift Motupa

Subs:Steven Hoffman (GK), Menzi Masuku, Siphelele Ntshangase, Linda Mntambo, Wiseman Meyiwa, Thato Lingwati, Masilake Phohlongo