World Cup hosts SAfrica recall McCarthy

November 6, 2009

World Cup hosts South Africa recalled controversial striker Benni McCarthy Thursday for mid-November home friendlies against Japan and Jamaica.

The scorer of a record 31 Bafana Bafana (The Boys) goals was ignored for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa after shunning a call-up for warm-up games against Norway and Portugal.

McCarthy claimed he had a hamstring injury, but Blackburn Rovers medical staff said the 31-year-old who burst on to the international stage at the 1998 African Nations Cup was fit to play.

There was no place for Spain-based defender Nasief Morris in a 24-man squad chosen by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who replaced fellow Brazilian Joel Santana last month and is scheduled to hold his first media conference Friday.

Morris was dumped ahead of the Confederations Cup for indiscipline by Santana, sacked after South Africa suffered eight defeats in their last nine matches.

He shares with captain Aaron Mokoena the distinction of being the only South African footballers playing regularly in an elite European league and was widely expected to be recalled.

South Africa failed to score in away losses against Germany, Republic of Ireland, Norway and Iceland during the last two months, prompting calls from local coaches for McCarthy to be given yet another chance.

Although the outstanding goal predator since South Africa returned to international football in 1992 after three decades of apartheid-induced isolation, McCarthy has frequently ignored national team call-ups.

The Blackburn striker claims he is unfairly singled out as the Bafana ‘bad boy’ during cash-related disputes between the team and South African Football Association officials.

Anti-McCarthy officials and national team supporters accuse him of being an overweight “spoilt brat” wanting to wear national colours only when it suits him.

McCarthy has not impressed Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce this season and reports have linked him with a mid-season loan move to English Premiership strugglers Portsmouth.

The inclusion of midfielder Daine Klate from champions SuperSport United ends a long media campaign for the inclusion of one of the best crossers available to South Africa.

There were also places for three of the team that reached the second round of the World youth championship in Egypt last month – goalkeeper Darren Keet, midfielder Daylon Classen and striker Kermit Erasmus.

South Africa will play the friendlies at 2010 World Cup venues, hosting World Cup qualifiers Japan at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on November 14 in Port Elizabeth and Jamaica at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein three days later.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld/GER), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Darren Keet (Wits University)

Defenders: Morgan Gould and Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport Utd), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth/ENG, capt), Anele Ngcongca (Genk/BEL), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Pirates)

Midfielders: Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Daylon Classen (Ajax Amsterdam/NED), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham/ENG), Daine Klate (SuperSport), Teko Modise (Pirates), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan/RUS), Elrio van Heerden (Blackburn/ENG)

Strikers: Mabhuti Khenyeza and Katlego Mphela (Sundowns), Kermit Erasmus (Excelsior Rotterdam/NED), Benni McCarthy (Blackburn/ENG), Bernard Parker (Twente/NED)

JOHANNESBURG (AFP)

Tags: 2009 fifa confederations cup, african nations cup, Amsterdam, association officials, bafana, Bay Stadium, Bernard Parker, Bloemfontein, captain Aaron Mokoena, carlos alberto, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Darren Keet, Egypt, english premiership, friendlies, fulham, GER, Germany, Iceland, indiscipline, international football, international stage, Joel Santana, Kermit Erasmus, last two months, Lucas Thwala, man squad, Morris, national colours, NED, nelson mandela, Norway, Orlando, Portsmouth, portugal, republic of ireland, ROTTERDAM, Sam, south african football, south african football association, Spain, spoilt brat, team supporters, three decades, warm up games

McCarthy, Morris missing from South Africa squad

August 28, 2009

World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa on Thursday named a 24-man squad to play friendly internationals against Germany in Leverkusen on September 5, and Ireland in Limerick on September 8.

Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana handed 21-year-old KRC Genk defender Anele Ngongca a first ever call-up.

There was also a surprise return to the squad for striker Mabhudi Khenyeza, who was axed from the national squad for the Confederations Cup after leaving the team training camp.

There was still no place, however, for defender Nasief Morris, omitted from the Confederations Cup squad for ill-discipline, or striker Benni McCarthy, who has not played for his country since a friendly match against Chile in February.

McCarthy has been struggling with injury at Blackburn Rovers.

“These are very important games for us, not only in terms of testing our technical and tactical abilities, but also with regard to what we will need in future games. We need to get a lot of international experience,” said Santana.

South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup from June 11 to July 11 next year.

South Africa squad to face Germany and Ireland

Goalkeepers: Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld/GER), Brian Baloyi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Shuaib Walters (Bloemfontein Celtic)

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya/ISR), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos/GRE), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth/ENG), Anele Ngongca (KRC Genk/BEL), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates), Bongani Khumalo, Morgan Gould (both SuperSport United)

Midfielders: Teko Modise, Benson Mhlongo (both Orlando Pirates), Steven Pienaar (Everton/ENG), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham/ENG), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan/RUS), Elrio Van Heerden (Blackburn Rovers/ENG), Siyabonga Nkosi (SuperSport United), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Strikers: Bernard Parker (FC Twente/NED), Mabhudi Khenyeza, Katlego Mphela (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Richard Henyekane (Golden Arrows)

JOHANNESBURG (AFP)

Tags: bafana bafana, benni mccarthy, Bernard Parker, Bryce Moon, Chile, fc twente, friendly match, fulham, Germany, golden arrows, kaizer chiefs, katlego mphela, krc genk, Limerick, maccabi haifa, mamelodi sundowns, Morris, NED, orlando pirates, Portsmouth, Richard Henyekane, rowen fernandez, rubin kazan, sibaya, south africa squad, world cup 2010

Twente sign Ruiz and Parker

July 16, 2009

FC Twente have completed the signings of Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz and South African Bernard Parker, as last season’s Eredivisie runners-up seem to be well prepared for the upcoming season.

Ruiz joins the Dutch side from Belgian outfit KAA Gent. The 23-year-old can play on the left wing or just behind the strikers, and reportedly costs five million Euros, a Twente club record.

Bernard Parker, also 23 years of age, is a striker of attacking midfielder and spent the last half year at Red Star Belgrade in Serbia. Here, he scored six goals in 16 games.

Parker played himself in the spotlight scoring both goals in South Africa’s 2-0 win over New Zealand at the Confederations Cup last month.

By: Jonathan Roorda

Tags: 23 years, African, Belgrade, Bernard Parker, Bryan Ruiz, confederations cup, dutch side, Eredivisie, games, half year, KAA, kaa gent, left wing, midfielder, New Zealand, Red, red star belgrade, roorda, runners, serbia, South Africa, spotlight, strikers

Master meets pupil as Brazil face S.Africa

June 25, 2009

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – Former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira promised to introduce South Africa to ’samba football’, a mission pursued by his successor, Joel Santana.

Well at Ellis Park on Thursday the willing pupil will have the chance to test precisely how much they’ve learned when they take on the country who invented the concept.

The smart and not so smart money is on Brazil overpowering South Africa in this Confederations Cup semi-final to set up a dream final Sunday with Spain, favourites to beat the United States on Wednesday.

But this 2009 Confed Cup has been nothing if not unpredictable – witness the USA’s advance to the last four at the expense of world champions and African champions Italy and Egypt.

South Africa owe their presence here to having narrowly shaded Iraq on goal difference to emerge as Group A runners-up after goalless draws against the Asian champions, a 2-0 win over New Zealand and a 2-0 loss to Spain.

Brazil strode imperiously through Group B, following up the last minute 4-3 victory over Egypt with 3-0 drubbings of the USA and then astonishingly Italy.

That has left Kaka and company in prime shape to defend the title they collected in Germany four years ago, but South Africa are counting on their vibrant and colourful support and some class acts like Everton’s Steven Pienaar, Bernard Parker and Teko Modise to help them dethrone the five time world champions.

The last time the hosts and holders met was back in 1996 in Joburg when South Africa, with Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo on board, were leading a Brazil side captained by Dunga two nil at half time only to go down 3-2.

Santana, constantly criticised in the local media for his defensive tactics, is talking a big game ahead of what promises to be an electric encounter at a sold-out Ellis Park.

“We deserve to be in the semi-finals, we got four points,” said the Brazilian.

“We outplayed New Zealand. We beat them 2-0, but could have scored six while Iraq were totally negative.

“I am happy to be in the semi-finals, I could have been heading home. But now I am looking forward to a major semi-final of a big FIFA event.”

Dunga rates his compatriot highly as a manager and is wary of the threat presented by his team.

“South Africa are an emerging team, but we know they will give us a difficult test.

“They’re strong, quick and they will have the crowd behind them. But we’ll be well prepared. Brazil have a very strong squad, which helps in a tournament like this. Every player in the squad is a first-teamer.”

Tags: african champions, Bernard Parker, brazil, carlos alberto, Carlos Alberto Parreira, confed cup, defensive tactics, doctor khumalo, drubbings, Egypt, ellis park, Germany, goal difference, Iraq, joburg, Joel Santana, johannesburg, local media, Lucas Radebe, New Zealand, S.Africa, samba football, semi finals, smart money, South Africa, Spain, steven pienaar, teko, time world, United States, USA, willing pupil, world champions, World Cup

Confederations Cup preview: Brazil – South Africa

June 25, 2009

With the elimination of Spain at the 2009 Confederations Cup, Brazil are the new favorites to take home the trophy. To do so, Dunga’s men do have to find their way past hosts South Africa in Thursday’s semi final.

The Brazilians struggled in their opening match against Egypt but everything has been smooth sailing since, with 3-0 wins over the United States and Italy. The Seleçao were second-favorite to win this tournament but the gap with Spain steadily decreased as the Confederations Cup advanced.

South Africa deserved their spot in the semi finals but weren’t anywhere near as convincing as Brazil. The hosts first drew with Iraq, beat New Zealand to then lose to Spain. The four points collected in these three games were enough to advance.

Brazil are without Juan for this match and the possible final, as the AS Roma is suffering from a leg injury.

South Africa on the other hand, may have to do without striker Bernard Parker who picked up a minor knee injury in training. His absence would leave a big void up front.

The senior teams of these two nations last met at the Nelson Mandela Challenge in 1996, when Brazil came back from behind to beat South Africa 3-2. At the 2000 Olympics, the South African Under-21 team beat their Brazilian rivals 3-1.

Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium is the venue for this game, which will be led by Swiss referee Massimo Busacca. Kick-off is at 8:30pm local time.

Written by: Jonathan Roorda

Tags: 2000 olympics, Bernard Parker, big void, Brasil, brazil, brazilians, cup preview, Egypt, ellis park, ellis park stadium, four points, Iraq, Italy, johannesburg, Jonathan Roorda, knee injury, leg injury, massimo busacca, nelson mandela, Roma, roorda, semi finals, smooth sailing, South Africa, Spain, swiss referee, three games, United States, WC Qualifying South-Africa

South Africa striker Parker uncertain for Brazil

June 25, 2009

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – South Africa face a worrying 24 hours to find out if striker Bernard Parker will be fit for Thursday’s Confederations Cup semi-final against Brazil.

Parker picked up a minor knee injury in training on Wednesday and is due to undergo medical tests later on Wednesday and in the run-up to kick-off.

Coach Joel Santana reported: “Bernard had a slight problem and he was advised not to continue training.

“He’ll be having check-ups to see if he is able to play. It’ll be a shame if he doesn’t take part tomorrow (Thursday) as he’s a new and spontaneous talent.”

The Red Star Belgrade forward has been instrumental in getting South Africa into the last four with his two goals sinking New Zealand to help the hosts take the runners-up spot in their group.

That brace was sweet redemption for Parker after he unwittingly blocked Kagisho Dikgacoi’s goal-bound header in the 84th minute of the opening 0-0 draw with Iraq.

The winner of Thursday’s game will play the victor of Wednesday’s semi-final in Bloemfontain between Spain and the United States.

Tags: Belgrade, Bernard, Bernard Parker, bloemfontain, brazil, check ups, coach, confederations cup, hosts, Iraq, Joel Santana, johannesburg, knee injury, medical tests, New Zealand, Parker, red star belgrade, runners, santana, shame, South Africa, Spain, sweet redemption, United States, ups, WC Qualifying South-Africa

Iraq stifle South Africa in Confed Cup opener

June 15, 2009

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – The 2009 Confederations Cup opened with a goalless stalemate between hosts South Africa and Asian champions Iraq at Ellis Park here on Sunday.

With Group A favourites Spain, in action against minnows New Zealand later on Sunday, expected to steamroll into the semi-finals, the point apiece keeps both teams in the running to join the Euro 2008 winners as group runners-up.

South Africa coach Joel Santana said his Bafana Bafana side had been undone by a combination of missed chances and Iraq’s defensive strategy.

“We had 17 shots on goal, compared to three from Iraq,” the Brazilian remarked.

“After a nervy start we controlled all aspects of the game and could have scored three or four goals. I was surprised at the way they held back in defence.

“Do you know how many minutes we played football in the first half? 32! It wasn’t us stopping the match all the time. They tried to paralyse the game.

“This wasn’t the result we wanted but I don’t think we played badly.”

Iraq’s experienced coach Bora Milutinovic defended his tactics.

“To some the game may have been boring. For me it was one of the highlights of my career, and now we have a point and a chance to qualify for the semi-finals.”

Santana gave a starting place to the nation’s favourite footballer, Teko Modise, who sat out the warm-up win over Poland, with Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, who had limped off injured in that match, on the bench.

Milutinovic, opting for a five-man backline, had the luxury of fielding a full-strength side captained by striker Younis Mahmoud with the artful Nashat Akram in midfield.

In a cagey first half, one of the rare bright moments came early on when Russia-based midfielder MacBeth Sibaya forced Iraq goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid into an athletic dive to keep out his angled 20-metre attempt from the right.

That effort came minutes after Kassid had safely scooped up Bernard Parker’s shot from outside the box.

Akram, who will be the first Iraqi to play in western Europe after signing for Steve McClaren’s Dutch side FC Twente, had a frustrating time, sending one free-kick over Itumeleng Khune’s bar and another into the South African wall.

South Africa striker Thembinkosi Fanteni picked up a yellow card from Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda after an over-zealous tackle on Iraqi midfielder Karrar Jasim in the opening minutes.

With a quiet or perhaps not-so-quiet word from Santana ringing in their ears, South Africa emerged for the second half with much more urgency, encouraging the home crowd of 48,837 or so which included South Africa President Jacob Zuma.

Dominating play, the hosts had a clear chance in the 69th minute only for Fanteni’s miscued shot to edge wide of Kassid’s right-hand post, the Maccabi Haifa striker banging his head with his fist in frustration.

After Akram received the second booking of the encounter Fanteni was at the centre of the action again, rising above the Iraqi defence to head Siboniso Gaxa’s corner just over the crossbar.

Katlego Mashego then came on for Fanteni and the Orlando Pirates striker quickly found himself with only Kassid to beat in the box, but the Iraqi keeper did well to snuff out the danger.

With five minutes left on the clock, Parker will never know how he failed to tap the ball home when faced with an open goal.

Santana introduced Pienaar in a last-ditch effort to grab the points but to no avail.

South Africa are next up against New Zealand on Wednesday with Iraq facing the Spaniards.

Tags: 17 shots, 2009 confederations cup, backline, bafana bafana, Bernard Parker, Bora, coach bora milutinovic, ellis park, euro 2008, footballer, Iraq, jacob zuma, Joel Santana, johannesburg, Jorge Larrionda, minnows, modise, Mohammed Kassid, nashat akram, New Zealand, Parker, Poland, russia, semi finals, shots on goal, South Africa, south africa coach, stalemate, Steve McClaren, steven pienaar, teko, WC Qualifying South-Africa, western Europe, younis mahmoud

S.Africa axe star striker McCarthy for Confed Cup

May 7, 2009

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) – South Africa dumped star striker Benni McCarthy from the FIFA Confederations Cup squad Thursday when a provisional 30-man list was released.

Record Bafana Bafana (The Boys) scorer McCarthy had been expected to get the nod from Brazil-born coach Joel Santana despite shunning recent friendlies against Norway and Portugal.

Blackburn Rovers striker McCarthy, scorer of 31 goals for South Africa, claimed he was injured despite being cleared to play by medical staff at the English Premiership strugglers.

Santana and various predecessors have treated McCarthy with kid gloves despite a controversial national team career since bursting into the limelight at the 1998 African Nations Cup.

McCarthy becomes available and unavailable for the national squad with alarmingly frequency, although the failure of South Africa to produce world-class strikers sometimes leaves coaches with no option but to pick him.

“I’m happy the coach has finally made this decision regarding McCarthy,” said Gordon Igeund, who has guided numerous big and small South African clubs to the Premiership title.

He told the Kickoff football magazine website: “This is a good lesson that there is no player bigger than the country and that everyone deserves the same treatment.

“I have reservations about some in the squad who do not deserve to be included as they have not been active for their clubs,” said the coach considered the best in South Africa never to guide Bafana Bafana.

“Richard Henyekane should have been included based on his form. He is the leading Premiership scorer and has been one of the best players at Golden Arrows this season.”

Henyekane scored as Arrows shocked league leaders SuperSport United 2-1 Wednesday and raised his goal haul to 18 this season, two more than Confederations Cup squad member Mabhuti Khenyeza of Ajax Cape Town.

Bafana Bafana open the two-week dress rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa against Asian champions Iraq on June 14 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg and also face New Zealand and Spain in the first phase.

Domestic expectations are high with most football followers expecting at least a semi-finals place although South Africa were ranked 18th in Africa by world football governing body FIFA Wednesday.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Brian Baloyi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Rowen Fernandez (Armenia Bielefeld/GER), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders: Matthew Booth and Siboniso Gaxa (Sundowns), Morgan Gould and Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport Utd), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn Rovers/ENG, capt), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos/GRE), Nasief Morris (Recreativo Heulva/ESP), Lucas Thwala (Pirates)

Midfielders: Innocent Mdledle, Benson Mhlongo and Teko Modise (Pirates), Lance Davids (SuperSport), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows), Elrio van Heerden (Club Brugge/BEL), Masilo Modubi (Westerlo/BEL), Surprise Moriri (Sundowns), Siyabonga Nkosi (Maccabi Netanya/ISR), Steven Pienaar (Everton/ENG), Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan/RUS), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Chiefs)

Strikers: Thembinkosi Fanteni (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Mabhuti Khenyeza (Ajax Cape Town), Katlego Mashego (Pirates), Katlego Mphela (Sundowns), Bernard Parker (Red Star/SRB)

Note: Squad will be trimmed to 23 before June 14-28 tournament