体坛英语新闻：Top strikers picked up in S. African World Cup squad

JOHANNESBURG, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Prominent strikers who have not featured thus far in the World Cup preparations of South African national football team Bafana Bafana were on Friday named in a provisional squad of 29 players for the June-July tournament in South Africa.

They are Bernard Parker, Bafana Bafana's star from last year's FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, and Benni McCarthy, South Africa's all-time leading international goal-scorer. Parker plays for FC Twente club in Holland, while McCarthy turns out for West Ham United in England.

In announcing the squad in Johannesburg, Bafana Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto said he would trim the South African squad to 23 players as per FFIA rules on June 1.

According to the South African Press Association, Parreira said that players such as defender Morgan Gould, who is recovering from injury, could still make the final 23 but the majority of the squad will come from the 29 players named on Friday.

The following is the squad:

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs, Shu-Aib Walters, Rowen Fernandez.

Defenders: Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa, Innocent Mdledle, Bongani Khumalo, Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Bryce Moon, Anele Ngcongca, Siyabonga Sangweni, Lucas Thwala.

Midfielders: Surprise Moriri, Franklin Cale, Lance Davids, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Thanduyise Khuboni, Steven Pienaar, Macbeth Sibaya.

Strikers: Benni MaCarthy, Katlego Mphela, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Bernard Parker.