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Heart worry for Bafana's Jali

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana midfielder Andile Jali will be sent to the United States for special tests after it was discovered he has a heart condition.

The South African Football Association said on Friday that Jali, a member of the host team's provisional Soccer World Cup squad, had a "mild cardiovascular condition."

SAFA said the condition was discovered in a routine medical test, and was confirmed by a second opinion on Monday.

SAFA said they had been advised by a doctor that the 20-year-old Jali be sent to the University of Florida Medical Centre for tests.

The centre has a track record of dealing with athletes with similar conditions, SAFA said, adding "it is envisaged that Jali's tests will be performed in time for him to be available for the finalisation of the squad."

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is set to announce his final 23-man World Cup squad on May 31.

South Africa will play Bulgaria in a friendly at Soweto's Orlando Stadium on Monday, May 24.

Bafana Bafana then make their first appearance at the showcase Soccer City stadium when they face Colombia on Thursday, May 27.

Carlos Alberto Parreira's team end their preparations with a match against Denmark on Saturday, June 5.

SAFA says it is also planning another friendly on May 31, ahead of Parreira's squad announcement. The opposition has not been confirmed.

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