Mngomeni (right) - a colourful character. (Allsport)

Position: Midfielder
Born: 24.06.69
Club: Orlando Pirates

Thabo Mngomeni is one of African football's most colourful figures.

After turning down the chance to become a professional cricketer, he made his debut for the national football side at 29 in a 1-0 victory over Angola in 1998.

One of the better performers in the African Nations campaign this year, he scored in the national side's 3-1 defeat of Morocco.

The midfielder is rarely far away from controversy, however, and was suspended last year after clashing with a referee during a league game.

He is often remembered in South Africa for being the player who gave away the penalty which cost the Bafana victory in the ANC qualifying match in Gabon.

Mngomeni's strong physical presence adds to the South African attack and he is likely to be a prominent and distinctive character this summer.