South Africa captain Pienaar to miss Brazil

02 September 2012 13:48

South Africa captain Steven Pienaar has withdrawn from a friendly against Brazil in Sao Paulo Friday after pulling a thigh muscle playing for Everton at the weekend.

A national football association spokesman said SuperSport United midfielder George Maluleka will replace Pienaar and coach Gordon Igesund wants to meet his squad before naming a stand-in skipper.

Another change to the 25-man squad sees Edward Manqele of Mamelodi Sundowns come in for veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe, who tore ligaments playing for Moroka Swallows.

The match between the 2010 and 2014 World Cup hosts marks the debut of Igesund as Bafana Bafana (The Boys) coach after leading a record four clubs to the South African Premiership title.

Source: AFP