Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and the South African football association have officially submitted their 23-man squad list to FIFA ahead of the World Cup, with the Brazilian coach naming the final team at a press conference this morning.
Benni McCarthy's fitness was said to be the deciding factor, as he seemed unfit compared to those in competition with him. The lack of his name in the list as it was called prompted a surprised reaction from many members of the media at the press conference.
The other three Premier League-based players made the final roster, with Aaron Mokoena, Kagisho Dikgacoi and Steven Pienaar set to form the backbone of the squad.The five players who were dropped from the squad were McCarthy, goalkeeper Rowan Fernandez, youngster Franklin Cale, as well as defenders Bryce Moon and Innocent Mdledle.
Bafana will find a tough task ahead of them in the opening game of the World Cup, as Mexico provide a stern test for the hosts at Soccer City in Johannesburg.
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Shuaib Walters (Maritzburg United)
Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa (Sundowns), Anele Ngcongca (Genk), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Matthew Booth (Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders: Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Fulham), Steven Pienaar (Everton), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)
Forwards: Surprise Moriri (Sundowns), Bernard Parker (FC Twente), Katlego Mphela (Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvethe (Moroka Swallows)
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