McCarthy Returns To South Africa's Squad

Benni McCarthy

Benni McCarthy is set to return to South Africa's national team after a fall-out with the country's FA that has lasted some 19 months.

The striker has been included in the squad for a Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia in Cape Town on 9 September.

McCarthy last played for Bafana Bafana at the 2006 Nations Cup in Egypt. He blamed the South African Football Association (Safa) for demonising him during the tournament amid a pay dispute.

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira had a brief meeting with McCarthy last weekend after Bafana Bafana lost 1-0 to Scotland in a friendly match.

The team looked weak in attack in that match.

McCarthy refused to play in the Nations Cup qualifier against Chad on 2 June despite being called-up to the squad.

His 19 goals for Blackburn made him the second-top goalscorer in the Premier League last season.