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South African Trialist With Blues at Crawley - Ipswich Town News

Town have included 26-year-old South African international centre-half Bongani Khumalo in their squad for tonight’s friendly at Crawley. The Spurs man, he is contracted until 2015, is set to be part of the Blues’ first half team with manager Mick McCarthy again fielding a different XI in each 45.

Khumalo played for Arcadia Shepherds, University of Pretoria and Supersport United in his home country before joining Tottenham in January 2011 for £1.7 million.

However, he failed to make a senior appearance for the North Londoners and has since been sent on loan to Preston, Reading and Greek side PAOK, where he spent last season.

The 6ft 2in tall defender has won 26 caps, scoring one goal, which came in South Africa’s 2-1 victory over France at the 2010 World Cup they hosted. He has captained his national side.

Fellow trialists Dean Gerken and Dan Seaborne are again in the Blues squad, having played at Shelbourne on Saturday. Crawley include ex-Blue Billy Clarke but Andy Drury is out with a knock.

First half: Gerken, Hammond, Mings, Khumalo, Smith, Skuse, Anderson, Hyam, Murphy, Chopra, Carson.

Second half: Loach, Hewitt, Chambers, Seaborne, Cresswell, Lawrence, Berkane, Wordsworth, Tabb, Nouble, McGoldrick. Subs: Timlin, October.

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