Davide Somma is set to make his South Africa debut after being included in their squad to face the USA.
Whites marksman in line for Bafana Bafana bow
Leeds United's Davide Somma is set to make his South Africa debut after being included in their squad to face the United States next week.
The 25-year-old, who had a spell on loan at Lincoln City last season, has been in fine form for The Whites this season after being given a chance to impress by manager Simon Grayson.
The Johannesburg-born forward also qualifies to play for Italy due to family links as well as the USA where he spent several years during his teens.
Head coach Pitso Mosimane has confirmed Somma will feature in the Cape Town contest following an injury to Mamelodi Sundowns marksman Katlego Mphela.
"We must not give Somma a heavy load in his first game," said Mosimane. "We don't expect much from him, but for him to understand the philosophy of the team."
Also in the squad for the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge is former Newcastle midfielder Matthew Pattison - a combative player who is yet to play for his country of birth despite several previous call-ups.
Regular captain Aaron Mokoena of Portsmouth is rested for the game next Wednesday with Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar set to lead the team in his absence.
South Africa's 23-man squad: Keepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates); Defenders: Siyanda Xulu (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Lierse) Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Bevan Fransman (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Keegan Ritchie (Moroka Swallows), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Anele Ngcongca (KRC Genk), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows); Midfielders: Matthew Pattison (Mamelodi Sundowns), Steven Pienaar (Everton), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Andile Jali (Orlando Pirates), Daylon Claasen (Lierse), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Fulham); Strikers: Kermit Erasmus (SuperSport United), Bernard Parker (FC Twente), Sthembiso Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs), Davide Somma (Leeds United).
