11 South Africa players have withdrawn from international friendly with Socceroos

AUSTRALIA’S last home game before the World Cup threatens to be undermined after 11 out of 18 South African players withdrew.

AUSTRALIA’S last home game before the World Cup threatens to be undermined after 11 out of 18 players withdrew from South Africa's initial traveling squad for the friendly in Sydney next week.

The 11 were unavailable through a combination of injuries and clubs not wanting to release their players for friendlies in Australia and New Zealand, South Africa coach Gordon Igesund said on Tuesday.

The fixtures fall outside of FIFA's official window for friendlies, meaning clubs do not have to let their players go even though South Africa's domestic season was over.

Australia identified Monday's game against a full-strength South Africa team as important for its World Cup preparations. It has only one fixture after that, against Croatia in Brazil on June 6, before facing Chile, 2010 World Cup finalist the Netherlands, and world champion Spain in group games at the World Cup.

Igesund called the situation “frustrating,” and said nine of the 11 players who withdrew would have likely started against Australia. Igesund picked a new 18-man group after finding out only two days before the planned departure for Australia that some players pulled out. He said he was unable to hold training on Tuesday morning because there were not enough players present, according to the South African Press Association.

Igesund said: “I have put together a big squad of around 34 which is young and excited about playing for the country, so those who I have called as replacements are part of that broader squad. They are very capable players.

“All these players are part of the group that should participate in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches for 2015 in Morocco. This is an opportunity for those selected to raise their hands and be counted. They are young and should compete,” said Igesund.

The Bafana Bafana coach said there was little he could do about the withdrawals but added he had confidence in those selected.

“It has been a long season for most of these players and there is little I can do about injuries. Injuries are part of the game of football and there is no one to be blamed for this.

South Africa's squad was due to leave for Australia on Wednesday, but will depart on Thursday.

It was also unclear if one player in the new squad, striker Kermit Erasmus, would be available as he had possibly already gone on holiday to Europe and wasn't answering his phone, Igesund said.

South Africa is also due to play New Zealand in Auckland on May 30. Neither of the teams have qualified for the World Cup.

The squad returns home on 1 June 2014.

GOALKEEPERS:

1.Ronwen Hayden WILLIAMS, Supersport United FC

2.Senzo Robert MEYIWA, Orlando Pirates FC

DEFENDERS:

3.Benett Thabo NTHETHE, Mamelodi Sundowns FC

4.Buhlebuyeza Wilson MKHWANAZI, University of Pretoria FC

5.Thato MOKEKE, Supersport United FC

6.Anele Calvin, NGCONGCA Racing Genk FC

7.Thabo MATLABA, Orlando Pirates FC

8.Erick MATHOHO, Kaizer Chiefs FC

MIDFIELDERS:

9.Teko MODISE, Mamelodi Sundowns FC

10.Oupa Matthew MANYISA, Orlando Pirates FC

11.Bongani ZUNGU, Mamelodi Sundowns FC

12.Themba ZWANE, Mpumalanga Black Aces FC

13.Thulani Caleb SERERO, Ajax Amsterdam FC

14.Thuso PHALA, Supersport United FC

15.Hlompho Alpheus KEKANA, Mamelodi Sundowns FC

16.Ayanda PATOSIFC, Lokeren

STRIKERS:

17.Kermit ERASMUS, Orlando Pirates FC

18.Tokelo Anthony RANTIEAFC, Bournemouth FC

Originally published as 11 South Africa players have withdrawn from international friendly with Socceroos