 Jali came on as a substitute against Jamaica in April |
South Africa will not choose midfielder Andile Jali for the World Cup after he was sent to the United States for a check-up on a possible heart condition. Jali, who is part of the country's provisional squad, was diagnosed with a mild cardiovascular problem on Friday. But coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said he would take no chances with Jali. "His playing career is not threatened but he must have the condition thoroughly investigated so that his career can continue," Parreira said. "I've told him it would be best to have it properly checked. We do not want to put his life in any danger." The Orlando Pirates' midfielder was sent to the United States to see experts after tests discovered he has a heart condition. Jali made his international debut earlier in the year and the mild cardiovascular condition was detected in routine tests on the 30-man squad. The 20-year-old's trip to the United States was to get a second opinion on the condition. The South Africa Football Association (SAFA) had said he will rejoin his Bafana Bafana colleagues before 31 May which is when the squad is finalised.  | 606: DEBATE |
The latest revelation means he will not play in the tournament to be hosted in his country and in Africa for the first time. Meanwhile, Everton's Steven Pienaar has joined up with his South African team-mates at their World Cup training camp. The 28-year-old midfielder arrived on Friday morning and underwent a series of physical and medical tests. South Africa play Bulgaria in a World Cup warm-up match in Soweto's Orlando Stadium on Monday. The hosts also have games against Columbia and Denmark, before kicking-off the whole World Cup against Mexico on 11 June.
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