Themba Zwane on Saturday made Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos eat his words with a masterclass performance that was sealed with a brace as South Africa put four goals past Sierra Leone without reply.
The Mamelodi maestro was previously excluded because Broos said he wanted to groom young players.
But with 33-year-old Zwane in sparkling form, the age story went out the window and Broos could only sing praises, saying the Mamelodi player was the “missing link”. Zwane scored in the 33rd and 64th minutes.
The friendly game at FNB attracted very few fans, but Bafana Bafana were a joy to watch.
Mihlali Mayambela (48′) and Aubrey Modiba (71′) scored a goal each to end the rout.
Bafana XI: Williams, Mobbie, Sibisi, Maela, Modiba, Le Roux, Sithole, Zwane, Mayambela, Sekgota, Lepasa.
Subs: Mothwa, Buthelezi, Mudau, De Reuck Xulu, Msani, Mosele, Mokoena, Mthethwa, Du Preez, Mmodi, Mayo.