Bafana Bafana will have to do without captain Dean Furman, vice-captain Anele Ngcongca and May Mahlangu for their friendlies against Swaziland tomorrow and Nigeria on Sunday.
The SA Football Association confirmed yesterday that the trio had pulled out of the national camp that began yesterday.
Defender Ngcongca, of Belgian side Genk, and Mahlangu, the midfielder who had earned a call-up following a ban by Safa last year, withdrew due to injuries.
Mahlangu's Turkish side Konyaspor allowed him to travel to the country to be checked by Bafana doctor Thulani Ngwenya.
But Furman's Doncaster Rovers requested that he be withdrawn, citing a tight schedule.
Coach Shakes Mashaba said no replacements would be named, as SA should have enough to deal with Swaziland and Nigeria.
"We have called up 30 players and have covered every position, so we will not replace any of those who are unable to come to camp," Mashaba said in a Safa press release.
"It is also a blessing in disguise in that we will be able to test out the players we have called up - for instance, Dean has been playing with Andile in the middle, so it would be great to see someone else in that role."
Thulani Serero and Kamohelo Mokotjo were expected to arrive last night.
Mashaba, meanwhile, once again had a dig at his critics during a press conference yesterday.
"Nobody would have expected me to say this. I am Ephraim Mashaba, those who still doubt my qualities are wasting time," he said.
"People are still questioning whether I am the right person to coach this team or not.
"Who is the right person? I am a South African by birth. I deserve to be here and my [skin] colour does not stop me from coaching the national team."
Bafana take on Swaziland tomorrow at Somhlolo Stadium (7pm) and Nigeria at Mbombela on Sunday (3.30pm). - additional reporting by Mazola Molefe
Mahlangu, Furman out of Bafana
Bafana Bafana will have to do without captain Dean Furman, vice-captain Anele Ngcongca and May Mahlangu for their friendlies against Swaziland tomorrow and Nigeria on Sunday.
The SA Football Association confirmed yesterday that the trio had pulled out of the national camp that began yesterday.
Defender Ngcongca, of Belgian side Genk, and Mahlangu, the midfielder who had earned a call-up following a ban by Safa last year, withdrew due to injuries.
Mahlangu's Turkish side Konyaspor allowed him to travel to the country to be checked by Bafana doctor Thulani Ngwenya.
But Furman's Doncaster Rovers requested that he be withdrawn, citing a tight schedule.
Coach Shakes Mashaba said no replacements would be named, as SA should have enough to deal with Swaziland and Nigeria.
"We have called up 30 players and have covered every position, so we will not replace any of those who are unable to come to camp," Mashaba said in a Safa press release.
"It is also a blessing in disguise in that we will be able to test out the players we have called up - for instance, Dean has been playing with Andile in the middle, so it would be great to see someone else in that role."
Thulani Serero and Kamohelo Mokotjo were expected to arrive last night.
Mashaba, meanwhile, once again had a dig at his critics during a press conference yesterday.
"Nobody would have expected me to say this. I am Ephraim Mashaba, those who still doubt my qualities are wasting time," he said.
"People are still questioning whether I am the right person to coach this team or not.
"Who is the right person? I am a South African by birth. I deserve to be here and my [skin] colour does not stop me from coaching the national team."
Bafana take on Swaziland tomorrow at Somhlolo Stadium (7pm) and Nigeria at Mbombela on Sunday (3.30pm). - additional reporting by Mazola Molefe
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