Radebe loses SA captaincy

Radebe has not played for South Africa for several months

South African defender Lucas Radebe has lost his captain's armband for the second time in a week.

The 32-year-old was last week stripped of the captaincy of his English club side, Leeds United, in favour of Rio Ferdinand.

Now the coach of South Africa, Carlos Quieroz has dropped him as national captain in favour of Shaun Bartlett.

Bartlett had filled in for the injured Radebe during Bafana Bafana's recent world cup qualifers and has now been officially appointed.

The Charlton Athletic striker will take over for Wednesday night's friendly against Sweden at the Rasunda stadium.

As from now Bartlett will be captain whenever he plays for Bafana. He has all the qualities I'm looking for in a leader.

SA coach Carlos Queiroz

"I rate Bartlett's commitment and ability as a strong leader on and off the field very highly," Quieroz said.

"I have been extremely happy with the way he has performed his playing duties with those as captain in the absence of Radebe.

"As from now Bartlett will be captain whenever he plays for Bafana. He has all the qualities I'm looking for in a leader. He is certainly up for it and enjoys the respect of his players," Queiroz added.

The national coach was annoyed after Leeds informed him on Tuesday that Radebe was being treated for an injury and could not honour the match.

"I hate it when clubs phone me at the last minute and withdraw a player. I'm deeply disappointed but life goes on and this has nothing to do with Bartlett getting the nod as captain," he insisted.

Quieroz said he now considered the matter closed.

"I don't hold grudges against any players. I've said what I had to say and will not make a judgment on Radebe."

South Africa Squad

Goalkeepers: Hans Vonk (Heerenveen, Holland), Andre Arendse (Santos)
Defenders: Bradley Carnell (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Frankie Schoeman (Lyngby, Denmark), Pierre Issa (Olympique Marseille, France), Andrew Rabutla (Jomo Cosmos) and Jacob Lekgetho (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)
Midfielders: Dumi Ngobe (Ankaragucu, Turkey), John Moshoeu (Bursapor, Turkey), Delron Buckley (Vfl Bochum, Germany), Eric Tinkler (Barnsley, England)
Strikers: Shaun Bartlett (Charlton Athletic, England), Benni McCarthy (Celta Vigo, Spain), Bradley August (Lyngby, Denmark), Phil Masinga (Coventry City, England) and Siyabonga Nomvete (Udinese, Italy).