McCarthy axed by Bafana coach

McCarthy has fallen out with South Africa coaches on several occasions

World Cup hosts South Africa have dropped Benni McCarthy for next month's Confederations Cup.

He has been left out of a preliminary squad for the eight-nation tournament, which is an important part of the team's preparations for the 2010 event.

McCarthy missed friendly matches against Norway and Portugal in March with a hamstring injury.

But he was controversially back in action for English club Blackburn Rovers a few days later.

Capped 76 times, McCarthy has scored a record 31 goals for his country but has fallen out with coaches and officials on several occasions.

South Africa coach Joel Santana declined to discuss the omission specifically but told a news conference on Thursday that the door is not closed for any player.

"I want to assure players who will be dropped for the Confederations Cup that it does not mean they will not be considered for the World Cup," he said.

"This applies to players who are also not in the provisional list of 30. My advice is that all players who will not take part in the Confederations Cup must continue to work hard at their game for future consideration."

South Africa host the Confederations Cup from 14-28 June.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Brian Baloyi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders: Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Innocent Mdledle (Orlando Pirates), Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn Rovers), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos), Nasief Morris (Recreativo Huelva), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders: Lance Davids (SuperSport United), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Benson Mhlongo (Orlando Pirates), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Masilo Modubi (Westerlo), Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nkosi (Maccabi Netanya), Steven Pienaar (Everton), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Elrio van Heerden (Club Brugge), Bernard Parker (Red Star Belgrade)

Strikers: Thembinkosi Fanteni (Maccabi Haifa), Mabhuti Khenyeza (Ajax Cape Town), Katlego Mashego (Orlando Pirates), Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns).