Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - South Africa have dropped captain Aaron Mokoena for next week's African Nations Cup qualifier against holders Egypt, signalling the potential end of his long international career.
The centre back, who won the first of his 107 caps 12 years ago, was omitted on Tuesday when coach Pitso Mosimane named his squad for the match in Johannesburg on March 26.
Mosimane refused to discuss Mokoena's omission at a news conference, telling reporters only "it is time to move forward".
Mokoena had been called up last month for a friendly win over Kenya but was left on the bench for the match.
At the time, Mosimane said he wanted to use the game to try out a new defensive combination and accused reporters of making too much out of Mokoena being left among the unused substitutes.
The 30-year-old missed a November friendly against the United States when Mosimane said he was giving Mokoena a break.
Steven Pienaar has been named as captain in Mokoena's place for the key qualifier where South Africa are seeking to extend their lead over Egypt at the head of the group.
Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers: Darren Keet (Wits University), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Wayne Sandilands (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Siyabonga Sangweni and Mzivukile Tom (Golden Arrows), Ruben Cloete (Orlando Pirates), Siboniso Gaxa (Lierse/BEL), Morgan Gould (SuperSport Utd), Bongani Khumalo (Tottenham/ENG), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk/BEL)
Midfielders: Andile Jali and Tlou Segolela (Pirates), Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala (Chiefs), Daylon Claasen (Lierse/BEL), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace/ENG), Thanduyise Khuboni (Arrows), Sifiso Myeni (Wits), Steven Pienaar (Tottenham/ENG, captain)
Strikers: Kermit Erasmus (SuperSport), Katlego Mphela (Sundowns), Bernard Parker (Panseraikos/GRE), Thulani Serero (Ajax Cape Town), Davide Somma (Leeds/ENG)
