South Africa dump Morris for Confed Cup

Defender Nasief Morris was a shock omission from the final 23-man squad named Thursday by hosts South Africa for the FIFA Confederations Cup next month.

Brazil-born coach Joel Santana said Spain-based Morris had been axed because of his “bad attitude”, but refused to disclose reaons behind a decision that robs Bafana Bafana (The Boys) of a player considered a certain first choice.

Goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, defender Mzuvukile Tom and midfielders Mosilo Modubi, Siyabonga Nkosi and Thulasizwe Mbuyane also failed to make the cut from the provisional 29-strong squad.

South Africa are in Group A for the June 14-28 tournament with Iraq, New Zealand and Spain and Group B comprises defending champions Brazil, Italy, Egypt and the United States.