Football
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 5y

Mkhize, Lorch get Bafana SOS for Seychelles clashes

South Africa have called up Cape Town City right-back Thami Mkhize and Orlando Pirates forward Thembinkosi Lorch as cover in their squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Seychelles over the next week.

Mkhize and Lorch replace Thapelo Morena and Vincent Pule after the pair were forced to withdraw through injuries picked up in weekend league games.

Morena was hoping for a first senior team appearance since winning the last of his three caps in the 2015 COSAFA Cup, while Pule made his Bafana Bafana debut in last month's 0-0 home draw with Libya, but was replaced at halftime.

Mkhize has been in good form for City this season and captained the side to the MTN8 title last month.

He played in the World Cup qualifiers against Burkina Faso and Senegal last year, scoring an unfortunate own-goal against the Lions of Teranga, and has three caps to date.

He is likely to act as back-up to regular right-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele, who is favourite to start.

Lorch played two matches for South Africa at the 2016 COSAFA Cup that they won in Namibia, but has battled with injuries of late, though he has made a fine start to the new season with Pirates.

South Africa host Seychelles at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, before travelling to the Indian Ocean island for the return fixture on Tuesday.

If they pick up six points against their lowly opponents, they will move to the brink of qualification for the Nations Cup finals in Cameroon next June-July.

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