Defender Thulani Hlatshwayo will captain Bafana Bafana in their first 2018 World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on Saturday night.
Coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba opted for the Bidvest Wits' skipper despite the presence of current long-serving captain, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and midfielder Dean Furman.
Khune kept his place in the starting line-up with Orlando Pirates duo Brighton Mhlongo and Jackson Mabokgwane on the bench.
Erick Mathoho, who sadly lost his younger brother midweek, will start in defence alongside Kaizer Chiefs' teammate Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thabo Matlaba and Hlatshwayo.
The ever-present Hlompho Kekana will be paired with Furman in the centre of the midfield. Keegan Dolly and Mpho Makola are likely going to play on the wings.
Striker Eleazer Rodgers will make his much-awaited debut, four years after his last call-up, after being picked ahead of Thamsanqa Gabuza and Sibusiso Vilakazi.
Mashaba opted for Thulani Serero to partner Rodgers despite his lack of game time at Ajax Amsterdam.
Starting XI: Khune, Hlatshwayo (C), Mathoho, Matlaba, Mphahlele, Dolly, Furman, Kekana, Serero, Makola, Eleazer Rodgers
Subs: Mabokgwane, Mhlongo, Mobara, Manyisa, Mahlangu, Ayanda Patosi, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Mncwango, Gabuza, Isaac Nhlapo, Tebogo Langerman.
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