/ 10 August 2011

Dikgacoi to miss Bafana friendly

Midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi will miss South Africa’s friendly against Burkina Faso in Johannesburg on Wednesday night because he is stuck in England.

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane said late Tuesday that Dikgacoi, who plays for English Championship side Crystal Palace, had experienced problems with his work permit and visa.

“We have to accept he will not be here,” Mosimane said.

“It’s one thing that is beyond his control, my control or anyone’s control for that matter.

“It would have been great to have him in this squad but we have to go out there and play the match knowing he is not here.”

South Africa will also be without regular captain Steven Pienaar and fellow midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane, due to groin and knee injuries respectively.

The duo were replaced in the squad with Daylon Claasen and Oupa Manyisa.

Bafana will, however, welcome the return of Bongani Khumalo, Thulani Serero and Thanduyise Khuboni who all missed the nation’s last match against Egypt in Cairo in June. — Sapa