Benni Axed From South African Squad

Benni McCarthy has paid the price for missing South Africa’s most recent friendlies by being left out of his nations Confederations Cup squad.

A 30-man squad (which will be cut to 24 in the next four-weeks) has seen McCarthy omitted as he pays the price for missing friendlies with Norway and Portugal, which were put down to a slight hamstring injury only for him to play for Rovers shortly after. South African coach Joel Santana says that no one is assured of a place in his squad, with McCarthy not the only high profile absentee.

Santana said: “In football there are no guarantees. Today you may be in and then tomorrow it could be someone else’s turn.“

Benni’s omission (and others) doesn’t mean that his International career is over, as being left out of the Confederations Cup doesn’t mean it’s the end of the line nor does the selection mean you are on the road to World Cup Finals selection.

He added: “I want to assure players who will be dropped for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup that it does not mean they will not be considered for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“This applies to players who are also not in the provisional list of 30. My advice is that all players who will not take part in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup must continue to work hard at their game for future consideration.“

Santana wouldn’t discuss why Benni was omitted saying he “only discuss players in the squad.”

I wouldn’t expect that Benni is going to take kindly to this omission, so I’d expect another International retirement announcement would be immanent!!!


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