Pienaar Out Of South Africa Squad

Midfielder withdraws due to thigh strain, Cole out for England.

Steven Pienaar has withdrawn from the South Africa squad.

The Bafana Bafana captain will miss the friendly fixtures with Brazil and Mozambique after picking up a thigh strain during Everton's Premier League match at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

South Africa play Brazil in Sao Paulo on Friday and then entertain Mozambique in Nelspruit on the following Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the English FA have confirmed Ashley Cole is unavailable for England's World Cup qualifier in Moldova on Friday due to a slight ankle problem.The Chelsea player's absence is likely to mean a start for Everton star Leighton Baines.

Everton’s next game is against Newcastle United on Monday 17 September.