South Africa v Sudan

Emotions will be running high when South Africa play host to Sudan in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

It is Bafana Bafana's first outing since the tragic passing of their captain Senzo Meyiwa, with the South African Football Association having since moved the match to Durban to honour the goalkeeper's memory.

Shakes Mashaba's side are undefeated in qualifying and top Group A with eight points after four matches, while the Falcons of Jediane prop up the standings on just three points.

Bafana were held to a goalless draw by second-placed Congo last month to remain a point ahead of their nearest challengers, with the Sudanese having suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Nigeria last time out.

Mashaba has so far not chosen a successor to the late Meyiwa, although he did reveal that there are "two or three candidates" to take over the armband.

Dean Furman, Andile Jali and Anele Ngcongca are the leading contenders for the position, with Furman believed to be the favourite to take over from Meyiwa.

Mashaba also declared that the squad are focused on the task at hand, after reports emerged claiming that psychologists had been brought in to get the players in the right frame of mind.

"I've heard a lot of people talking about psychologists and all that. Yes, psychological problems are not easy to solve," Mashaba said.

"The only thing (we can do) is to pray and, from what I have seen and the high level of performance from the boys, it tells me that they have put it behind their backs and I think we are ready for the game now."

Mashaba has had to make his preparations for the Durban clash without May Mahlangu, who is no longer available for national team selection.

The Goteborg midfielder had been included in Mashaba's 23-man squad but opted to withdraw, citing fatigue as his reason. SAFA have subsequently come down hard on Mahlangu, banning him from playing for his country ever again.

Mashaba has called up Free State Stars striker Moeketsi Sekola in his place, while Platinum Stars keeper Siyabonga Mpontshane has also earned a recall for the national team.

Mpontshane will be vying with Darren Keet and Brilliant Khuzwayo for a place between the sticks. Having served as Meyiwa's understudy in recent squads, Keet is heading the queue to take over the number one jersey.

There were concerns surrounding the fitness of Orlando Pirates striker Lehlohonolo Majoro, who sat out Thursday's training session with an ankle injury. But Majoro insists the problem will not force him to miss the visit of Sudan.