Hansa Rostock's Bradley Carnell has been recalled to the South Africa squad
South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parriera has recalled defender Bradley Carnell to the Bafana Bafana squad to face Namibia in Durban on 3 March.
The call-up offers the Germany-based player an unexpected glimmer of hope to make South Africa's World Cup squad.
The 33-year-old had thought to be out of contention after not representing his country since 2008.
Carnell, who plays for Hansa Rostock, is one of only four Europe-based players called up for the friendly.
Carnell, who played every minute of Bafana Bafana's 2002 World Cup campaign, is one of only four Europe-based players called up for the friendly with Bevan Fransman, Bryce Moon and Anele Ngongca, the others.
Parreira left out some key regulars - such as Steven Pienaar, Benni McCarthy and Matthew Booth - as he focuses on fringe players he still wants to look at.
"I overlooked various Europe-based players as they're playing twice a week and it's not worth bringing them back just for this game," the Brazilian World Cup winner told BBC Sport.
Since Parreira had to confirm his players last week, he opted for a maximum of three from any PSL club as the local league was still up for grabs until SuperSport wrapped it up on Wednesday.
While squad places for stalwarts such as Teko Modise, Katlego Mphela and Siphiwe Tshabalala were expected, there are surprise call-ups for both Lebohang Mokoena and Mzivukile Tom.
Neither Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Mokoena nor Golden Arrows defender Tom made last month's 29-man camp in Durban, where Parreira took a closer look at locally-based players.
"Even though I have good idea of my final squad, there are still places up for grabs so I still have to see other players as we enter the final road," said the Brazilian coach.
Yet it seems the World Cup dreams of Spain-based defender Nasief Morris, who was dropped last year ahead of the Confederations Cup for disciplinary reasons by previous coach Joel Santana, may be over.
Parriera has said he would recall the Racing Santander defender if necessary but Morris has missed several weeks of 'La Liga' while stuck in South Africa dealing with work permit issues.
The match against Namibia is part of the 100 days celebration in the run-up to June's World Cup and a plaque will be unveiled the day before the game to officially mark the stunning Moses Mabhida stadium as a World Cup venue.
Both Fifa chief Sepp Blatter and Caf president Issa Hayatou are expected to attend a game which is Bafana Bafana's sole scheduled international friendly until the 5 June clash with Denmark.
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