South Africa likely to send vastly under-strength team to play friendly in Australia

A dramatic player shortage means Australia is likely to face a vastly under-strength South Africa in their pre-World Cup friendly in Sydney.

THE Socceroos could face a vastly under-strength South African team in their World Cup farewell match in Sydney on Monday.

South African news agency Sapa reports that the unavailability of players from South Africa's glamour clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is set to leave Bafana Bafana with a mountain to climb against Brazil-bound Australia at ANZ Stadium.

“I can't give any details right now,” South African coach Gordon Igesund said.

“We are trying to solve the problem.”

Igesund expected to be able to give details of the situation at a media conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday (local time).

Asked if there would be training on Tuesday, Igesund said he couldn't run a session without players.

The South Africans are due to fly out the following day and an unnamed squad official said there were more officials and media booked to go at the moment than players.

“It's a disaster if something can't be sorted out.”

The Soccer Laduma website had reported that South Africa's captain Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker and Simphiwe Tshabalala, all from Kaizer Chiefs, are among those who won't make the trip.

Parker was said to be nursing a knee injury, while Chiefs' medical staff said all three players were set to undergo surgery for injuries.

Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi pulled out a week ago to have leg surgery and was followed by Russian-based defender Siyanda Xulu.

Others have joined the exodus, citing exhaustion after a gruelling season.

Originally published as South Africa likely to send vastly under-strength team to play friendly in Australia