Tournament News
Gould out of Bafana squad
2010-02-28 17:11
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Durban - Bafana Bafana suffered their first setback ahead of their friendly international showdown against neighbours Namibia in Durban on Wednesday night when key defender Morgan Gould (26) was forced to withdraw from the squad on Sunday.
Gould will be replaced by his club captain and central defensive partner at three times Premier Soccer League champions SuperSport United, Bongani Khumalo.
Gould was withdrawn from the squad when the national team assembled in Johannesburg on Sunday prior to their flight on Sunday night to Durban.
"Gould sustained an ankle injury playing for SuperSport in their league match against BidVest Wits last Wednesday night and it was decided by head coach (Carlos Alberto) Parreira that Khumalo was the right choice to replace him, " said team manager Sipho Nkumane.
Gould and Khumalo have enjoyed an outstanding season for United helping their club to a third successive Premiership title this season despite losing 2-1 at the Super Stadium to the Students.
The fact that their only title rivals and Pretoria city neighbours Mamelodi Sundowns were beaten 2-0 by bottom club Jomo Cosmos the same night meant that the loss to Wits did not matter and saw United crowned champions for the third season in a row.
Khumalo said after winning the championship that he would be able to focus on cementing his place in Parreira's squad for the World Cup which kicks off when Bafana host Mexico at the new Soccer City on June 11.
Khumalo and Gould have forged a great understanding during their two seasons together and many believe that they will develop into the regular Bafana centre back pairing.
"Now that the league title is secure for a third time I will be able to focus on playing for Bafana and hopefully I will be included in the training camp to Brazil in March," said Khumnalo.
Khumalo led United to a 5-3 aggregate win over Swaziland champions Mbabane Swallows at the Super Stadium on Saturday night.
The 2-2 draw on Saturday night was enough for United to go through to the second round.
Bafana will train at Chatsworth Stadium on Monday at 4pm ahead of the clash against Namibia which will be staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday. Kick-off is at 8.30pm.
The match is important to the players as Parreira will name his squad to travel to Brazil on Thursday.
Bafana Squad:
Goalkeepers: Emile Baron (SuperSport United), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs).
Defenders: Bradley Carnell (FC Hansa Rostock, Germany), Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya, Israel), Bryce Moon (PAOK, Greece), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk, Belgium), Siyabonga Sangweni, Mzuvukile Tom (both Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Midfielders: Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Andile Jali (Pirates), Thanduyise Khuboni (Arrows), Daine Klate (SuperSport), Reneilwe Letsholonyane , Siphiwe Tshabalala (both Chiefs), Teko Modise (Pirates), Lebohang Mokoena (Sundowns), Tlou Segolela (Bloemfontein Celtic).
Strikers: Katlego Mphela (Sundowns) and Thulani Serero (Ajax CT).