South Africa manager Carlos Alberto Parreira has dropped West Ham United striker Benni McCarthy from his squad for the World Cup finals on home soil.
McCarthy struggled for form and fitness after joining the Hammers from Blackburn Rovers in February, failing to score a goal in five Premier League appearances for the Upton Park club.
Still, his omission from Parreira’s final 23-man squad, which was announced this morning (Friday), is regarded as a major surprise.
Rowen Fernandez, Innocent Mdledle, Bryce Moon and Franklin Cale were the other four members of the provisional squad to miss out when the squad was named this morning (Tuesday).
There are just two Premier League regulars in the squad: captain Aaron Mokoena of relegated Portsmouth and Everton midfield star Steven Pienaar.
South Africa get the World Cup under way with the Group A opener against Mexico on Friday week.
South Africa squad:
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs, Shu-aib Walters.
Defenders: Tsepo Masilela, Lucas Thwala, Aaron Mokoena, Siyabonga Sangweni, Bongani Khumalo, Matthew Booth, Anele Ngcongca, Siboniso Gaxa.
Midfielders: Siphiwe Tshabalala, Steven Pienaar, Lance Davids, Kagiso Dikgacoi, Thanduyise Khuboni, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Teko Modise, MacBeth Sibaya.
Forwards: Surprise Moriri, Bernard Parker, Katlego Mphela, Siyabonga Nomvete.
