Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has had mixed team news this week ahead of finalising his World Cup 23.

His team drew 1-1 with a Bulgarian side 51 places above them in FIFA’s rankings. But Parreira has withdrawn 20-year-old Orlando Pirates midfielder Andile Jali from his squad.

Jali was diagnosed with a mild heart condition after being sent to the United States for an examination. Parreira said: “His playing career is not threatened but he must have the condition thoroughly checked.”

In better news, 28-year-old midfielder Steven Pienaar joined up with the squad this week and passed stringent fitness tests at the training camp.

Pienaar was on the bench for the Bulgaria game, alongside striker Benni McCarthy, whose fitness, and weight in particular, has been a cause for pre-tournament concern. Both are expected to play in tomorrow’s (Thursday’s) friendly against Colombia.

South Africa took a 20^th minute lead against the Bulgarians in Soweto’s Orlando Stadium on Sunday, with a bullet header by defender Siyabonga Sangweni. Valeri Bojinov equalised against the run of play eleven minutes later.

Parreira said afterwards: “I am happy with the performance, our boys did not disappoint.”

South Africa beat Thailand 4-0 in their previous friendly.