Another bad Surprise for South Africa as Moriri withdraws

Hosts South Africa lost a third member of their FIFA Confederations Cup squad when midfielder Surprise Moriri withdrew on Tuesday.

Moriri from Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a knee injury in a weekend practice match and the national football association confirmed he will miss the June 14-28 tournament which serves as a dress rehearsal for the 2010 World Cup.

A calf injury ruled out Orlando Pirates defender Lucas Thwala last week and 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 Brazil-born coach Joel Santana 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 confront Iraq in the opening match at Ellis Park here.

Spain and New Zealand complete Group A while defending champions Brazil, Italy, Egypt and the United States are in Group B of a tournament to be hosted by Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pretoria and Rustenburg.