The former Kaizer Chiefs coach received stunned looks from the gathered media when he announced what is a very youthful and mainly locally based squad.

None would question the Romanian born coaches selection as Ted has commanded the respect of local scribes over the past few years, when Ted took over at the helm of the Amakhosi at the start of the 2003-2004 season Chiefs had not won the league for twelve years.

He helped the Amakhosi to win back-to-back titles in 2003-2004 and 2004 –2005; Ted has called up three of the players who were with him when he won those titles plus Jimmy Tau.

Rowen Fernandez and Arthur Zwane were part of Ted’s team that triumphed in 2003-2004 and 2004 –2005 while Scara Ngobese was part of the triumphant 2004-2005 team.

They have all been called up to the provisional squad for the CAF Cup of Nations that begins in late January. The Chiefs quartet will most likely make the final twenty-two as all have been in fine form for Chiefs this season.

The provisional squad is as follows: Rowen Fernandez, Calvin Marlin, Moeneeb Josephs, Avril Phali, Aaron Mokoena, Ricardo Katza, Siboniso Gaxa, Mbulelo Mabizela, Tonic Chabalala, George Mofokeng, Dillon Sheppard, Vuyo Mere, Phil Evans, Benson Mhlongo, Benedict Vilakazi, Jimmy Tau, Joseph Makhanya, Jabu Pule, Gift Leremi, Siyabonga Nkosi, Papi Zothwane, Steven Pienaar, Elrio van Heerden, Sibusiso Zuma, Maimane Phiri, Siyabonga Nomvete, Kgafane Macarena, Arthur Zwane, Lebohang Mokoena, Benedict McCarthy, Nkosinathi Nhleko, Katlego Mphela, Tsepo Masilela, Emmanual Ngobese.