The magnificent seven comprise of midfield inspiration John "Shoes" Moshoeu, David Kannemeyer, Jabulani Mendu, Stanton Fredericks, Jabu Pule, Patrick Mayo and David Radebe.

When the name of Pule was mentioned, there was a roar among the media but Mashaba was quick to allay any fears regarding the player’s availability. "We have struck a deal with Kaizer Motaung and please don't ask any questions," joked Mashaba.

In addition, Mashaba called up four to the squad that will play against Costa Rica in the Nelson Mandela Challenge on October 11 in Potchefstroom. The four are Kannemeyer, Fredericks, Moshoeu and Mayo.

Bafana play Lesotho in Maseru next Wednesday as part of preparations for the 2004 African Nations Cup. Bafana will then play the South Americans - ranked 17 in the world and third in their region Concacaf - before travelling to Tunis for a clash against Nations Cup hosts Tunisia on November 17.

Bafana squad for Lesotho:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Roberts (Wits) and Moneeb Josephs (Ajax Cape Town).

Defenders: David Kannemeyer (Kaizer Chiefs), Simphiwe Mkhonza (Golden Arrows), Jimmy Tau (Orlando Pirates), Phil Evans (Supersport United) Saul Molapo (Manning Rangers) and Oscar Ntwagae (Silver Stars).

Midfielders: Patrick Thwala (Orlando Pirates), Teboho Mokoena (Jomo Cosmos), Jabulani Mendu, Stanton Fredericks, John Moshoeu, Jabu Pule (all Kazier Chiefs).

Strikers: Patrick Mayo, David Radebe (all Kaizer Chiefs), Carlo Scott (Sundowns) and Abram Raselemane (Supersport United).

Bafana squad for Costa Rica:

Goalkeepers: Andre Arendse (Sundowns), Emile Baron (Lillestrom).

Defenders: David Kannemeyer (Kaizer Chiefs), Aaron Mokoena (Genk), Tony Coyle (Rostov), Mbulelo Mabizela (Tottenham Hotspur), Phil Evans (Supersport United), Simphiwe Mkhonza (Golden Arrows) and Jimmy Tau (Orlando Pirates).

Midfielders: McBeth Sibaya (Rubin), Japhet Zwane (Rostov), Teboho Mokoena (Jomo Cosmos), Stanton Fredericks (Kaizer Chiefs), Benson Mhlongo (Wits), John Moshoeu (Kaizer Chiefs), Josta Dladla (SGS Aarhus).

Strikers: Siyabonga Nomvete (Udinese), Abram Raselemane (Supersport United) and Patrick Mayo (Kaizer Chiefs).