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Johannesburg - Carlos Alberto Parreira has revealed that his dossiers on Bafana Bafana's international-based stars are not painting a pretty picture ahead of the Soccer World Cup.
The Brazilian has been keeping a close eye on South Africa's exports, but admitted it is hard to track a player's progress when they are warming the bench in a foreign land.
"We have a database of all foreign-based players, about 25 of them, and we're monitoring all of them every week," he said.
"This past week only two players, Tsepo Masilela and Steven Pienaar, played full matches. This doesn't help us because we're now too close to the World Cup. We need a fit team because we want to progress to the next round."
It is for this reason that Parreira has decided that the bulk of his World Cup squad will compromise of local-based players.
"The overseas players are very key to the team, but the biggest number of players for the World Cup squad will be from the South African league, there is no doubt about that," he said.
"It could be 14, 15, 16 players from here, we're not sure. I don't have to select them now. But the big number of players will be from those who play in SA."
The major concerns for the 1994 World Cup-winning mentor revolve around veterans Benni McCarthy and Aaron Mokoena.
The West Ham striker has endured an injury-riddled campaign and has a dodgy knee that is sure to hamper his performances come June.
Captain Mokoena, meanwhile, also picked up a knee strain in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham and had to play through the pain for 75 minutes as there were no suitable replacements on the bench.
The Brazilian has been keeping a close eye on South Africa's exports, but admitted it is hard to track a player's progress when they are warming the bench in a foreign land.
"We have a database of all foreign-based players, about 25 of them, and we're monitoring all of them every week," he said.
"This past week only two players, Tsepo Masilela and Steven Pienaar, played full matches. This doesn't help us because we're now too close to the World Cup. We need a fit team because we want to progress to the next round."
It is for this reason that Parreira has decided that the bulk of his World Cup squad will compromise of local-based players.
"The overseas players are very key to the team, but the biggest number of players for the World Cup squad will be from the South African league, there is no doubt about that," he said.
"It could be 14, 15, 16 players from here, we're not sure. I don't have to select them now. But the big number of players will be from those who play in SA."
The major concerns for the 1994 World Cup-winning mentor revolve around veterans Benni McCarthy and Aaron Mokoena.
The West Ham striker has endured an injury-riddled campaign and has a dodgy knee that is sure to hamper his performances come June.
Captain Mokoena, meanwhile, also picked up a knee strain in the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham and had to play through the pain for 75 minutes as there were no suitable replacements on the bench.
