Injury Rules Out McCarthy, Mathoho
27 December 2012
Orlando Pirates striker Benni McCarthy and Kaizer Chiefs defender Eric Mathoho have been withdrawn from African Nations Cup contention after failing to overcome their respective injury concerns.
Neither player will participate in the Bafana Bafana training camp being held at Orlando Stadium in Soweto from the 27 December to 29 December.
Gordon Igesund’s squad currently consists of 31 players which will be whittled down to a final 23 come the squad announcement on 30 December.
The make-up of the squad is the 24 players selected for the recent friendly against Malawi and an additional seven players.
However, that number does not include McCarthy, struggling with a troublesome hamstring, and Mathotho who is battling with a knee injury.
“It is a blow when any player called up for the national team pulls out due to injury. It would have been a great situation to have both of them here,” said Igesund.
Ayanda Patosi and Andile Jali are both struggling with niggling ankle injuries but will join their compatriots on Friday to allow the coaches to assess their fitness.
England-based Kagisho Dikgacoi and Dean Furman and Darren Keet, who plies his trade in the Belgium Pro League, were not available for the camp due to club commitments.
“I already have 19 players in my mind but I still have some decisions to make for the rest, so there are still some places up for grabs,” admitted Igesund.
“These are exciting but also testing times for me and the players because at the end of the day only 23 players can make the squad.
"We saw in the match against Malawi that all players want to be part of this fiesta. But it does not mean if players are excluded from the AFCON squad it is the end of the road, we still have plenty of tournaments to come.
“What I am happy about is the great vibe in the squad and you can see all the players are eager to do their best which makes life harder for me and my technical team.”
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands, Senzo Meyiwa
Defenders: Bevan Fransman, Thabo Nthete, Siyabonga Sangweni, Siyanda Xulu, Siboniso Gaxa, Tshepo Masilela, Thabo Matlaba
Midfielders: Oupa Manyisa, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Sifiso Myeni, Thanduyise Khuboni, May Mahlangu, Delron Buckley, Lerato Chabangu, Thuso Phala, Ayanda Patosi, Daine Klate
Strikers: Bernard Parker, Lehlohonolo Majoro, Tokelo Rantie
Additional players: Anele Ngcongca, Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Bongani Khumalo, Ricardo Nunes, Thulani Serero, Katlego Mphela
comments
Is part of game
Submitted by: Mpofanac
Date: 30 December 2012, Time: 23:02:09
modishas' 1of duz typical khosi fans I cn c...broer, dz' a national team, so foes aside
Submitted by: mochechi29
Date: 30 December 2012, Time: 11:24:06
jele?
Submitted by: HACLY
Date: 30 December 2012, Time: 09:30:44
mhm jali z needed
Submitted by: Ceborichoe
Date: 29 December 2012, Time: 23:44:37
Mhm serero.jali teko n killer must nt b left out.....xulu.khuboni.phala.nthethe...mhm n myb my klate wl b left out.......bt we must hav 4 strikerz....
Submitted by: NEBZA_BUCS4MADRID
Date: 29 December 2012, Time: 21:21:37
Modishas u really dislike these players well these players are all top performers at their clubs. Dnt hate on them bcoz they r awesome players nd at the end of the day u the onli 1 huz complainin abt em they all deserve to b in dat squad
Submitted by: khayalami
Date: 29 December 2012, Time: 19:47:07
Why are Manyisa, Nthethe, Klate, Sandilands, Meyiwa, Myeni and Patosi in the squad? We wont win when we keep running charity with national caps
Submitted by: Modishas
Date: 29 December 2012, Time: 19:05:32
Bongani khumalo must go back home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!we don't need him he's such a useless player
Submitted by: yanela_simelane
Date: 29 December 2012, Time: 17:25:20
So if he was not injured,McFatty would have made the squad? On what grounds really?!?!
Submitted by: Umbhele
Date: 29 December 2012, Time: 11:22:33
Jali must be there, Killer as wel, we need them.
Submitted by: Tumza25
Date: 29 December 2012, Time: 09:53:16