McCarthy exit leaves Bafana puzzle

McCarthy exit leaves Bafana puzzle
(AFP) Tuesday 24 March 2009
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Benni McCarthy said a hamstring injury will prevent him joining 2010 FIFA World Cup™ hosts SoutStriker h Africa for friendlies against Norway and Portugal. His move puzzled FA officials as Blackburn Rovers cleared the player to join Bafana Bafana (The Boys) for games with Norway in Rustenburg on Saturday and Portugal in Switzerland three days later.

McCarthy strained his hamstring in an English Premier League clash with West Ham at Ewood Stadium last Saturday, but Blackburn did not consider the injury serious enough to prevent him travelling. "The South African team doctor had a telephone discussion with Benni following a report from the Blackburn medical team, but the player insists he feels tremendous pain," a national association statement said.

McCarthy has a history of withdrawals and 'retirements' from the national squad before promising coach Joel Santana last year he would always be available. Midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi from Durban club Lamontville Golden Arrows has also withdrawn injured and strikers Katlego Mashego of Orlando Pirates and Katlego Mphela of Mamelodi Sundowns have been added to the squad.