South Africa winger Sibusiso Zuma has put club before country and refused to play in Sunday’s African Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia in Lusaka, officials confirmed on Saturday.
Zuma has told caretaker coach Pitso Mosimane he is unavailable and wants to concentrate on establishing his place at German Bundesliga club Arminia Bielefeld.
The 31-year-old winger had aggravated a knee injury when he last played for South Africa at the Nations Cup finals in Egypt in January, which had led to a long injury lay-off.
Zuma told officials he did not want to risk picking up another injury while playing for the national team and souring his relationship with the German club, whom he joined last year. Zuma scored for Bielefeld on his return from injury last week.
His withdrawal from the South African side follows the refusal of Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy to play for the national team.
South Africa face falling five points behind Zambia in the Group 11 standings if they lose on Sunday. – Reuters