Fish celebrated when South Africa were awarded the World Cup

The 30-year-old, who recently returned after a three-year international exile, has said he had no plans to continue with his international career.

He was accused of a lack of commitment in newspapers, and attacked on radio talk shows, following a 3-0 defeat by Ghana earlier this month.

The rest of the squad will face Burkina Faso in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Fish's agent Glyn Binkin said that although the defender had not formally retired from international football, 'it's heading that way'.

Fish blamed a lack of commitment among players and also unresolved financial issues for his decision to quit the camp, and met with Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter on Monday to communicate his decision.

"Some of the financial issues which led to his retirement from international football three years ago are still unresolved," said Binkin.

"Mark is also unhappy about the level of commitment of his colleagues to the national team.

"While he and some other players were already in camp on Friday, others only arrived on Saturday, Sunday and today without any good reason."

Fish, who has won 62 caps for South Africa, only returned to Bafana Bafana for the 5 June game against Cape Verde after retiring from the international game three years ago.

Meanwhile, Baxter blamed the local media for playing a role in Fish's decision.

On Sunday, the weekly City Press published a piece in which Baxter was quoted as being unhappy with the team's defence and also saying he would look at his defensive options.

Ironically, Fish's departure from the team comes as prodigal son Benni McCarthy returns to the team after his retirement from international football prior to the 2004 African Cup of Nations.

On Monday, the South African Football Association announced that Fish was withdrawing for "personal reasons".