McCarthy To Miss South African Matches

Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy has been "excused" from his countries next four International fixtures, following his late arrival for a training camp.

McCarthy's club and national team-mate Aaron Mokoena had early this week hit out at his no show (something that MikeyGamst wrote about) with him believe it was all about Benni's me, me, me attitude. However, having held talks with South African coach Joel Santana on Wednesday it has been agreed that Benni will be allowed to withdraw from this squad on "family issues" (quite what these are are unknown) but will not feature in South African's next four Internationals, all Qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations.

Joel Santana told Skysports.com: "I had a frank, but good discussion with Benni where we listened with full attention to what he had to say.

"We appreciate the situation that he has explained to us and we therefore fully understand the personal circumstances that he finds himself under.

"Benni is one of the best players in the world and that cannot be ignored. The door has been left open to him for the future, but it will also be up to him.

"I put our position very clearly to him that we want this to be the last time we have to talk about him.

"We have important games now that we want to focus on. I have just arrived in South Africa and I have a job to do."

Benni has a LONG history of "no shows" with the national side, which often lead to International retirement before a change of heart from the coach at the time or himself sees him come back again, however, he is insisting that there is no ulterior motive behind this latest development, and although he wanted to play he can now sort out these problems that he is having.

McCarthy added: "I have great respect for coach Santana and appreciate that he understood my current family issues.

"Admittedly, I must say that I'm a little bit disappointed that I won't feature in any of the four qualifiers but then I understand that the coach does not want me to disrupt his camp.

"On the other hand, it gives me an opportunity to address my personal issues and I hope I will be called in future.

"I am happy with the coach and wish the team the best of luck in the coming crucial matches.

"I also hope that my team-mates will do us proud against Nigeria by believing in themselves, like I believe in them. I am confident that they will go in there and fight for the three points at stake."

Well that has cleared that up?!?! Or not, no one is still any the wise really are they!!!


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