Benni: You're killing their spirit

Cape Town - All-time Bafana Bafana top scorer Benni McCarthy raised concerns about the inclusion of Itumeleng Khune and Eric Mathoho in the squad for the Rio Olympic Games.

McCarthy was part of the team that represented South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics under coach Shakes Mashaba.

The former Orlando Pirates forward feels the inclusion of the two overage players, who were not with the squad that won the COSAFA Cup, could be a disruptive influence on the younger members of the team.

"I don't see the point at all. These boys have been together for a long time in matches, camps and qualifiers and now the Olympics are here, overage players are chosen," he told SunSport.

"I believe players who fought hard to qualify should be selected. What are the chances of playing in the Olympics again? You're killing their spirit.

"In 2000, we took Brian Baloyi as our overage player. There was no point at all because Brian did not play. Emile Baron played all three matches.

"We'll be crying that we don't have enough experience at international level and yet when opportunities come for youngsters, we snub them and choose overage players.

"I don't think it should be done, most countries don't."