Mashaba defends his home-based squad

South Africa coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba has refused to bow to pressure to select some of his top overseas players for Thursday's friendly against England.

Mashaba has named just three foreign-based players for the game in Durban.

Many want the coach to include Quinton Fortune of Manchester United and Charlton Athletic striker Shaun Bartlett.

"There was no pressure from the media when our Europe-based stars failed to turn up for African Nations Cup qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi," he noted.

Manchester United's Quinton Fortune is left out

"If we think the English Premiership is better than the South African Premiership, I feel insulted," he said.

"England players are selected from their Premiership, so why can't I select my players from the South African Premiership?" asked Mashaba.

Mashaba, a national hero in the 1970s also attacked journalists for elevating England at the expense of Africa.

"But when I omit them from the squad for Durban, all hell breaks loose. Why must England earn more respect than Ivory Coast or Burundi? I want African countries to receive the same treatment as those from Europe.

"England are bringing their strongest squad and suddenly it seems that our boys cannot play against stars who earn pounds rather than (South African) rand."