Goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad, citing personal reasons, and his future in the national team is uncertain.
Josephs was one of 30 players called up for national duty at a training camp in Phokeng, outside Rustenburg, this week.
“The goal minder said he will be not be able to honour this national team call-up or any in future due to personal reasons,” the SA Football Association (Safa) said in a statement on Tuesday.
Safa said Josephs had requested a meeting with team management, including Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane, to explain his reasons.
“Mosimane has asked the player to pen a letter himself to explain the situation before meeting him,” Safa said.
“The technical team is expected to make a decision on the way forward once they have received the letter from Josephs.”
Striker Eleazar Rodgers was also in doubt for the camp, which started on Monday, after his club, Santos, requested he be released from duty for the National First Division playoffs as they look to retain their place in the Premiership next season.
Bafana Bafana face Ethiopia and Botswana in 2014 World Cup qualifiers next month before they take on Gabon in a friendly international.
Meanwhile, 19 players had reported for national duty by Tuesday morning, including overseas-based players Anele Ngcongca, Bongani Khumalo, Tsepo Masilela, Darren Keet and Thulani Serero.
Three more players were expected to arrive on Tuesday – captain Steven Pienaar, Eric Mathoho and Lehlohonolo Masalesa – while May Mahlangu was set to report for camp on Thursday.
Three players – Siyabonga Nomvethe (ankle and tight hamstring), Siyabonga Sangweni (ankle) and Oupa Manyisa (tight calf muscles) – were given a rest on Tuesday after arriving in camp with niggling injuries.
The six players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United – Teko Modise, Wayne Sandilands, Punch Masenamela, Lebohang Mokoena, Katlego Mphela and Morgan Gould – were scheduled to arrive on Sunday.
Sundowns and United square off in the Nedbank Cup final in Soweto on Saturday. – Sapa