Speaking after announcing his squad to face Cameroon in the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Cameroon this month, Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has defended his selections.

The coach was responding to questions from the media on Thursday morning following the inclusion of Tokelo Rantie of AFC Bournemouth in the English Premier League.

Although the former Orlando Pirates forward has not tasted game time in the EPL, he has been a regular for the South African national side.

“We normally check on these players and he's been playing in their second team, it's not to say when he's not in the squad he's not training,” said Mashaba.

“However, that will be sorted when we talk about the selection criteria.

“We beat Cameroon in Durban and we're going there for the second time, based on the statistics, it says this is now pay back time.”

When asked about the on form Mamelodi Sundowns winger Keagan Dolly, the coach said he couldn't select U23 players as they're preparing for the Rio Olympics.

“Let me say he's not in the team because they'll (U23) be going to play a match somewhere preparing for Rio – I didn't want to distract the plans of the coach.”

The first leg of the crucial encounter is scheduled to be held in Cameroon at the new Stade Omnisport de Limbe on 26 March.

The return leg will be staged at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium three days later. Bafana are placed at the bottom of Group M after losing and drawing their opening two fixtures.