Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana caretaker coach Steve Komphela decided to let five players leave the squad ahead of their international friendly against Gabon on Friday.
Captain Steven Pienaar, striker Katlego Mphela, midfielders Oupa Manyisa and Thanduyise Khuboni as well as defender Bongani Khumalo will all miss out on the clash at the Mbombela Stadium.
The players left after the squad's training session on Monday evening.
"We are left with one match, having played two already. Initially we called-up a big squad because we had three back-to-back clashes and wanted to have cover in various positions in case of injuries," said Komphela.
"We have seen what the five that we released can give us, and now this is a chance to have a look at other players.
"At the same time we also had to reserve some respect to the opposition and not make wholesale changes to our squad.
"We still need continuity and we believe the players that are remaining will provide the needed balance to tackle Gabon on Friday."
Captain Steven Pienaar, striker Katlego Mphela, midfielders Oupa Manyisa and Thanduyise Khuboni as well as defender Bongani Khumalo will all miss out on the clash at the Mbombela Stadium.
The players left after the squad's training session on Monday evening.
"We are left with one match, having played two already. Initially we called-up a big squad because we had three back-to-back clashes and wanted to have cover in various positions in case of injuries," said Komphela.
"We have seen what the five that we released can give us, and now this is a chance to have a look at other players.
"At the same time we also had to reserve some respect to the opposition and not make wholesale changes to our squad.
"We still need continuity and we believe the players that are remaining will provide the needed balance to tackle Gabon on Friday."