It is a sign of the injury crisis and the rapid evolution of the South African national side that just nine of their 23-man squad have ever faced Nigeria before in an international fixture – and of those only three have played the Super Eagles more than once.
With stalwarts Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly and Sibusiso Vilakazi all missing through injury, facing Bafana Bafana’s traditional arch-nemesis will be a novel occasion for many of their team.
Injuries aside, the fresh blood that coach Stuart Baxter has also tried to introduce to the national team during his tenure having also shed experience but, he hopes, added energy and hunger.
Only four of the players that started the 2-0 victory in Uyo in June last year are likely to feature again in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the FNB Stadium – goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, defenders Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Thulani Hlatshwayo, and midfielder Themba Zwane.
Others, such as Mulomowandau Mathoho, Tebogo Langerman and Tokelo Rantie have seen their national team careers possibly ended, or at best put on hold, as Baxter sweeps through with a new broom.
For his part, Baxter says he has nearly finalised his starting XI for Saturday’s crunch match.
KweséESPN looks at the members of the current Bafana Bafana squad who have faced Nigeria before and their record.
ITUMELENG KHUNE
Position: Goalkeeper
Caps: 90
Matches against Nigeria:
6/9/08 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-1 – World Cup group four qualifier
14/8/13 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-2 – Friendly international
29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 – Friendly international
10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
DARREN KEET
Position: Goalkeeper
Caps: 8
Match against Nigeria:
19/11/14 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-2 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
THULANI HLATSHWAYO
Position: Defender
Caps: 37
Matches against Nigeria:
14/8/13 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-2 – Friendly international
10/9/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-0 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 – Friendly international
10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
RAMAHLWE MPHAHLELE
Position: Defender
Caps: 15
Match against Nigeria:
10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
HLOMPHO KEKANA
Position: Midfielder
Caps: 25
Match against Nigeria:
19/1/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-3 – African Nations Championship finals
TIYANI MABUNDA
Position: Midfielder
Caps: 6
Match against Nigeria:
10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
THULANI SERERO
Position: Midfielder
Caps: 37
Match against Nigeria:
29/3/15 (home) vs. Nigeria 1-1 – Friendly international
THEMBA ZWANE
Position: Midfielder
Caps: 16
Matches against Nigeria:
10/9/14 (home) vs. Nigeria 0-0 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier
PERCY TAU
Position: Striker
Caps: 15
Match against Nigeria:
10/6/17 (away) vs. Nigeria 2-0 – Africa Cup of Nations qualifier