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Mokoena Omission Could Signal End of Bafana Bafana Career

Aaron Mokoena

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa have dropped captain Aaron Mokoena for next week’s African Nations Cup qualifier against holders Egypt, signalling the potential end of his long international career.

The centre back, who won the first of his 107 caps 12 years ago, was omitted Tuesday when coach Pitso Mosimane named his squad for the match in Johannesburg on March 26.

Mosimane refused to discuss Mokoena’s omission at a news conference, telling reporters only “it is time to move forward.”

Mokoena had been called up last month for a friendly win over Kenya but was left on the bench for the match.

At the time, Mosimane said he wanted to use the game to try out a new defensive combination and accused reporters of making too much out of Mokoena being left among the unused substitutes.

The 30-year-old missed a November friendly against the United States when Mosimane said he was giving Mokoena a break.

Steven Pienaar has been named as captain in Mokoena’s place for the key qualifier where South Africa are seeking to extend their lead over Egypt at the head of the group.

Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town

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Tshabalala Wants to Play in Europe

Siphiwe Tshabalala of South African Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs
Nyarko Benso

Siphiwe Tshabalala, the South African soccer star who scored the first goal during the 2010 FIFA world Cup says he dreams of playing in Europe.

Tshabalala’s thunderous 55th-minute strike against Mexico that opened the scoring board in South Africa was nominated at the FIFA Puskas Awards but Turkey’s Hamit Altintop took the prize.

He said he feels he should have won but was still happy with the recognition.

“I am a little bit disappointed. That was the opening goal of the World Cup in Africa, but I am not bitter.”

Tshabalala had the opportunity to mingle with Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Barca coach Pep Guardiola and Maicon.

“They actually came over to greet and congratulate me and I was humbled to realize that they still remember me.” Tshabalala said.

Siphiwe Tshabalala currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs, but will be open to a move to Europe.

“At the moment I’m still part of Kaizer Chiefs and I’d like to play my football in Europe, but I won’t rush it. If a good offer comes my way then I would definitely go for it with their blessing,” the South African winger said.

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South Africa Siphiwe Tshabalala Robbed at Gunpoint

Ed Aarons
Bafana Bafana midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has become the latest high profile player to fall victim of South Africa’s notoriously high crime-rates.
The 26-year-old escaped unhurt as armed robbers stormed into his house and made off with cell-phones and wallets.
Tshabalala, who scored the opening goal of the 2010 World Cup, was held at gun point as the raid took place.
But it could have been a lot worse for the Kaizer Chiefs star, who told his club’s website that the intruders had recognised him.
“My manager had sent someone to my house to collect my portraits,” Tshabalala said.
“As the gentleman was coming through the door, a heavily armed man came in pointing guns at us. I was with my two cousins and my friend when this happened.
“When they realised that it was my house, they left after only taking phones and wallets,” he added.
Tshabalala has been out of action since last month after he picked up a hip injury against Sierra Leone in a qualifier for the 2012 African Nations Cup.
He was linked with moves to Europe after his World Cup exploits but stayed with Chiefs after signing a new deal.
The left-winger is not the first high-profile Bafana star to be hit by crime – Orlando Pirates international Benson Mhlongo was kidnapped by carjackers back in August and was also recently arrested for carrying an unlicensed firearm.
Meanwhile it has also emerged that the house of Ghanaian players Andre and Jordan Ayew was robbed while they where away for Marseille’s Champions League match in Slovakia.
An investigation has been launched in Marseille after their villa was broken into.
Police said the criminals stole hi-fi equipment, jewelry and expensive watches and also damaged household electrical goods.
The Ayew brothers where in Zilina during the robbery, which occurred Wednesday night with Marseille beating the Slovakian team 7-0.
Ed Aarons
BBC Sport, Johannesburg
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