Jaco van der Merwe

Johannesburg - It isn’t just the coach of Bafana Bafana, Joel Santana, who has had enough of the national players who go AWOL. 

The loyal players who work hard to make the squad are also sick and tired of their teammates who are throwing away their chances at representing South Africa at the Confederations Cup and World Cup.

Santana removed Mabhudi Khenyeza from his squad last week. Khenyeza was the fourth Bafana Bafana player in nine months who failed to attend the national side’s practice camp.     

Mbulelo Mabizela, Sthembiso Ncgobo and Benni McCarthy also lost their places in the squad for disciplinary issues.

 “It is disappointing to think that these guys have a chance to represent their country on the highest level. You really disappoint people if you do things like this. Many people placed their hopes and dreams on you,” said Moeneeb Josephs, one of Bafana Bafana’s goalkeepers.  

“It is not something the rest of the team talks about, because they can’t do anything about it. It is the coach’s job to sort it out. It is a great honour to be in the group from which the team will be chosen for the Confederations Cup,”

Joseph will battle it out with Rowen Fernandez, Itumeleng Khune and Brian Baloyi for the three goalkeeper spots that are available in the squad for the tournament.

Santana admitted not too long ago that he hasn’t yet decided who his first choice goalkeeper is. “There is a lot of competition within the group, because everyone wants to wear the national shirt. But the competition is healthy and can only strengthen the squad,” said Josephs.  

Defenders can make or break a goalkeeper, so Josephs and his fellow goalkeepers will be excused if they are a bit worried about the national side's defence. Two defenders, captain Aaron Mokoena and Matthew Booth, didn’t get too much game time at their clubs, while Lucas Thwala had to withdraw him from the squad due to a calf injury.  

Golden Arrows defender Mzivukile Tom has replaced Thwala in the squad. The group of 30 players will be reduced to 23 on the 4th of June for the Confederations Cup.