Two Players Withdrawn From Bafana Squad
09 November 2009
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Mabhudi Khenyeza has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad to play Japan and Jamaica on the 14th and 17th in Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein respectively. Khenyeza was part of the 24-man squad that was announced on Thursday (05 November 2009) but failed to honour the national team call-up. The striker also failed to answer any calls from the national team regarding his absence. On Monday (09 November) he held a meeting with his club informing them of his decision not to join up with the national team, and subsequently he attended another meeting with the Bafana Bafana technical team to explain his actions. Head coach Carlos Parreira acknowledged the reasons, but withdrew him from the squad.
“At this point of the final lap to the World Cup, we cannot accept these things happening – we will not accept this kind of behaviour from any player in the team. The door is not closed on him though, and it’s not the end of the road for him regarding the World Cup – but it’s up to him to show that he wants to return to the national team,” said Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Parreira.
Golden Arrows striker Richard Henyekane will take Khenyeza’s place. Also out of the squad due to injury is Mamelodi Sundowns defender Siboniso Gaxa. He is replaced by Lance Davids of Ajax Cape Town.
Meanwhile all but five players are still to arrive in camp. The Belgium-based duo of Bernard Parker and Anele Ngcongca are expected on Monday night (09 November), together with Macbeth Sibaya who plays in Russia. England-based Kagiso Dikgacoi is expected on Tuesday while Tsepo Masilela will be the last player to arrive in camp on Wednesday.
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