FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

South African coach Philippe Troussier admitted here Sunday that his team may be caught short in defence in next month’s World Cup.

“I know we’ll be weak there, but I have concentrated on the strong points of the team,”  the Frenchman said when he named a squad of 22 which contained no surprises.

Troussier admitted he would miss the defensive strength of John Moeti and Eric Tinkler, who have been ruled out through injury. “I believe I have 14 key players and the rest will provide good cover,”  he added.

A shortage of defensive cover saved Pierre Issa, who plays for French club Olympique Marseille and has an intimate knowledge of the conditions facing the 1996 African champions. Stade Velodrome, the home ground of Marseille, will be the setting for the entry of South Africa into the soccer showcase on June 12 against hosts France.

Midfielders Sello Mahlangu and Daniel Mudau of Mamelodi Sundowns, who had been included only as cover in the provisional squad, were ommited. South Africa have 15 foreign-based players in their 22-man squad, including players in England, France, Holland, Italy, Spain and Turkey. Only 12 players survive from the African Nations Cup finals in Burkina Faso four months ago when the team finished runners-up. Troussier took over as coach after that tournament.

Midfielder John Moshoeu, 31, is the team’s most experienced player with 46 caps.

South Africa play Iceland in Stuttgart on June 6 before travelling to the French town of Vichy, where they will complete preparations for Group C first-round matches against France, Denmark and Saudi Arabia.

The South African squad is :

Goalkeepers: Hans Vonk (Heerenveen), Brian Baloyi (Kaizer Chiefs), Andre Arendse (Fulham)

Defenders: Themba Mnguni (Mamelodi Sundowns), David Nyathi (St Gallen), Willem Jackson (Orlando Pirates), Mark Fish (Bolton Wanderers), Lucas Radebe (Leeds United), Pierre Issa (Olympique Marseille)

Midfielders: Quinton Fortune (Atletico Madrid), Alfred Phiri (Vanspor), John Moshoeu (Fenerbahce), Helman Mkhalele (Kayerispor), Brendan Augustine (Linz AK), Delron Buckley (VfL Bochum), Doctor Khumalo (Kaizer Chiefs), Lebogang Morula (Vanspor), Naughty Mokoena (Manning Rangers)

Forwards: Phil Masinga (Bari), Shaun Bartlett (Cape Town Spurs), Jerry Sikhosana (Orlando Pirates), Benni McCarthy (Ajax Amsterdam)