Pretoria - Everton and Bafana Bafana winger, Steven Pienaar, has been withdrawn from the Bafana squad to face Sierra Leone in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier next Sunday in Freetown.
Pienaar is suffering from a groin injury which he sustained while training with his English club.
The team's vice-captain was part of the 22-man squad announced by head coach Pitso Mosimane on Thursday to travel to Freetown, Sierra Leone, for this crucial AFCON clash.
Mosimane said there will be no replacement for Pienaar. "We are disappointed by the news that Pienaar can't be with us on this important mission.
"He has been playing for both club and country and his experience would have been vital in Freetown, but I guess it's the nature of the game and these things are to be expected.
"We have players to take his place and help us bring back the three points we need. I will not call up a replacement for him, as I have named a 22-man squad. I will travel with the remaining 21 players to Sierra Leone."
Mosimane wished Pienaar a speedy recovery. He hoped that the sensational player would join the team in the next match.
Bafana Bafana assembles on Monday, 4 October at Monte Casino in Fourways. They will depart for the West African country on Friday.
The match will be played on Sunday at Sierra Leone national stadium in Freetown. Kick-off is 16:30pm Sierra Leone time and 18:30pm South African time.
