Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana sprung a couple of surprises when he named his 23-man squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Santana, who needed to cut six players from his original squad of 28, left out the Pirates duo of Moeneeb Josephs, Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Siyabonga Nkosi, Masilo Modubi and left-back Mzuvukile Tom.

But most observers were surprised with the omission of defender Nasief Morris and Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs.

Mamelodi Sundowns keeper Brian Baloyi was given the nod ahead of Josephs, whose omission is quite a surprise, considering his role in Pirates' chase to the title last season.

In defence Josephs team-mate Innocent Mdledle makes a return to the squad after a long lay off due to injuries.

Without Benni McCarthy, Bafana's hopes up front will rest on Bernard Parker, Katlego Mashego and Terror Fanteni.

Bafana Squad:

Goalkeepers: Brian Baloyi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Rowen Fernandez (Armenia Bielefeld, Germany).

Defenders: Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England), Bryce Moon (Panithinikos, Greece), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Innocent Mdledle(Orlando Pirates).

Midfielders: Lance Davids (SuperSport United), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Steven Pienaar (Everton, England), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan, Russia), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Benson Mhlongo (Orlando Pirates), Elrio van Heerden (Blackburn Rovers, England).

Strikers: Bernard Parker (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thembinkosi Fanteni (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Katlego Mashego (Orlando Pirates)


RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook