Injury has forced Surprise Moriri out of South Africa's latest squad

Confederations Cup hosts South Africa will be without injured midfielder Surprise Moriri for June's tournament.

The Mamelodi Sundowns player suffered a knee injury in a weekend practice match.

The South Africa Football Association have confirmed he will miss the tournament that kicks off on 14 June and serves as a dress rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup.

A calf injury has already ruled out Orlando Pirates defender Lucas Thwala, while striker Mabhuti Khenyeza from Ajax Cape Town was dropped from the 30-man squad after failing to turn up for a training camp.

Midfielders Thulasizwe Mbuyane from Pirates and Mzuvukile Tom from Golden Arrows were called up as replacements, but Brazilian coach Joel Santana has said the gap left by Moriri would not be filled.

Former South African Footballer of the Year Moriri would have been a strong contender for a place in the starting line-up when South Africa take on Asian champions Iraq in their opening game.

European champions Spain and Oceania champions New Zealand complete Group A.

Group A features South America's best and defending champions Brazil, World Cup winners Italy, African champions Egypt and the United States, who won North and Central America's Gold Cup.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version