New Bafana coach Gordon Igesund named his first full squad on Thursday for friendly matches against Brazil in Sao Paulo next week and Mozambique in Nelspruit the following week.

Igesund said he did not beg for Josephs to make himself available after the second-choice shot stopper called an end to his international career in May.

“He said he would like to compete for a place in the national team, and I'm very happy about that,” Igesund said.

“Moeneeb has since written a letter to Safa withdrawing his retirement.

“I never asked him to come back, I just wanted to know why he retired.”

Igesund also confirmed that Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar had been retained as Bafana captain.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Sandilands, Moeneeb Josephs, Itumeleng Khune

Defenders: Siyabonga Sangweni, Bevan Fransman, Bongani Khumalo, Erick Mathoho, Anele Ngcongca, Punch Masenamela, Thabo Matlaba

Midfielders: Kamohelo Makotjo, Kgosi Ntlhe, Steven Pienaar, Rewneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Thulani Serero, Katlego Mashego (Free State Stars), Dean Furman (Oldham Athletic), Kagisho Dikgacoi

Strikers: May Mahlangu, Bernard Parker, Lerato Chabangu, Siyabonga Nomvete, Dino Ndlovu, Thamsanqa Gabuza