FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Sello Mahlangu and Daniel Mudau were the unlucky pair when South Africa named its 22 players Sunday for the World Cup in France next month.

The midfielders from national champions Sundowns were axed when French coach Philippe Troussier trimmed his squad from 24 for the first appearance of the country at the finals. Uncapped Mahlangu and Mudau, who has represented Bafana Bafana (The Boys) 11 times, displayed contrasting emotions after Troussier announced the squad in southern Germany, where the team is training.

” The fact that I came so close to securing a World Cup place was the highlight of my career, “ admitted Mahlangu, a schoolteacher when he is not playing or training. ” I thought I had done enough to avoid the cut, but I respect the opinion of the coach and there is no bitterness in my heart, “ added the 31-year-old defensive midfielder.

Mudau, whose last appearance for his country was against Ghana in the 1996 African Nations Cup semi-finals, found it more difficult to accept his fate. ” I am deeply disappointed because I believed I was among the best 22. I was prepared to go all the way for my country, “ the diminutive attacking midfielder said. ” What makes it worse is that I was called up at the last minute and came so close to realising the dream of every footballer by being part of the World Cup squad. “

Mahlangu and Mudau were overlooked for several training camps only to be added to the squad just days before South Africa left for Argentina, where they lost 2-0 last Monday.

Bafana Bafana, who were held 1-1 by German second division club Stuttgart Kickers on Saturday, play Iceland in Stuttgart on June 6 before tackling France, Denmark and Saudi Arabia in Group C.