McCarthy, Morris missing from South Africa squad

World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa on Thursday named a 24-man squad to play friendly internationals against Germany in Leverkusen on September 5, and Ireland in Limerick on September 8.

Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana handed 21-year-old KRC Genk defender Anele Ngongca a first ever call-up.

There was also a surprise return to the squad for striker Mabhudi Khenyeza, who was axed from the national squad for the Confederations Cup after leaving the team training camp.

There was still no place, however, for defender Nasief Morris, omitted from the Confederations Cup squad for ill-discipline, or striker Benni McCarthy, who has not played for his country since a friendly match against Chile in February.

McCarthy has been struggling with injury at Blackburn Rovers.

“These are very important games for us, not only in terms of testing our technical and tactical abilities, but also with regard to what we will need in future games. We need to get a lot of international experience,” said Santana.

South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup from June 11 to July 11 next year.

South Africa squad to face Germany and Ireland

Goalkeepers: Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld/GER), Brian Baloyi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Shuaib Walters (Bloemfontein Celtic)

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya/ISR), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa/ISR), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos/GRE), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth/ENG), Anele Ngongca (KRC Genk/BEL), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates), Bongani Khumalo, Morgan Gould (both SuperSport United)

Midfielders: Teko Modise, Benson Mhlongo (both Orlando Pirates), Steven Pienaar (Everton/ENG), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham/ENG), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan/RUS), Elrio Van Heerden (Blackburn Rovers/ENG), Siyabonga Nkosi (SuperSport United), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Strikers: Bernard Parker (FC Twente/NED), Mabhudi Khenyeza, Katlego Mphela (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Richard Henyekane (Golden Arrows)