Fans of the national team have long called for the star player to get a recall to the national side and injuries have forced the hand of the 70-year-old Belgian tactician.

Yesterday Broos named the 23-man squad to face Sierra Leone and Botswana for the international friendlies that will be played this month.

Broos said the time is right for Zwane to be included in the squad again.

“Only fools don’t change their minds. I said a lot of things about Zwane. I tried to have a young team. 

“I tried younger players and every time there was people saying ‘Zwane, Zwane, Zwane’ - but I said he is 32.

“But when I see him playing, maybe this is the guy we can use. He is an intelligent player. He can score. He has had great performances with his team.

“I think we need to give him a chance, especially now that Percy Tau is not there, Fagrie Lakay is not there, Evidence Makgopa is not there, Bongukuhle Hlongwane is not there. There are four strikers who are not there.”

Bafana will face Sierra Leone on the 24th and the Zebras on the 27th with both of these games to be played at Soccer City.

Goalkeepers - Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Melusi Buthelezi (TS Galaxy).

Defenders - Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Rushin De Reuck, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba (all Mamelodi Sundowns), Innocent Maela, Nkossinathi Sibisi (all Orlando Pirates), Thibang Phete (Al Bataeh, UAE), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City).

Midfielders - Spephele Sithole (Belenenses, Portugal), Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates), Tebogo Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Luke Le Roux (Varbergs BoIS, Sweden), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Stellenbosch FC).

Strikers - Zakhele Lepasa (Orlando Pirates), Khanyisa Mayo (Cape Town City), Lyle Foster (Westerlo, Belgium), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Pula Mmodi (Golden Arrows), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol), Kgaogelo Sekgota (Kaizer Chiefs).

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport