Mabizela led South Africa through their disappointing 2004 Cup of Nations

South Africa defender Mbulelo Mabizela has been stripped of the captaincy after reporting late for training, coach Stuart Baxter said on Wednesday.

Mabizela will play against Burkina Faso in the 2006 World Cup and Cup of Nations qualifier in Johannesburg on Saturday but is replaced as skipper by Belgium-based centre back Aaron Mokoena.

The Tottenham Hotspur player had been given the weekend off from South Africa's preparations for a family celebration but was a day late returning to the team's camp in Johannesburg.

Fish out of squad

On Monday, defender Mark Fish pulled out of Bafana Bafana's World Cup squad, citing a lack of commitment among the international players as one reason for his withdrawal.

The 23-year-old Mokoena will become the 21st player to captain the South Africa side in 12 years of international competition.

Group Two qualifying table

South Africa have won one and lost the other of their qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.

The qualifying games also double as qualifiers for the 2006 Cup of Nations in Egypt.