Confederations Cup Update

Here's another Confederations Cup update (Cupdate?):

New Zealand has released its squad for the Confederations Cup and there are a few familiar faces. Four players are currently playing in MLS: Andrew Boyens with New York, Simon Elliott with San Jose Earthquakes, Duncan Oughton with Columbus Crew and Jarrod Smith with Seattle Sounders. Ryan Nelsen, the All Whites captain, used to play for D.C. United before making the move to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League.

New Zealand Roster by Position
Goalkeepers (3): James Bannatyne (Petone/Team Wellington), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix)

Defenders (7): Andrew Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), David Mulligan (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Steven Old (Kilmarnock), Aaron Scott (Melville United/Waitakere United), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix)

Midfielders (7): Andy Barron (Petone/Team Wellington), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Christie (Wellington Phoenix), Simon Elliott (San Jose Earthquakes), Chris James (Tampere United), Duncan Oughton (Columbus Crew)

Forwards (6): Kris Bright (Panserraikas FC), Jeremy Brockie (North Queensland Fury), Chris Killen (Celtic FC), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Jarrod Smith (Seattle Sounders FC),Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion)

South Africa head coach Joel Santana has announced a provisional squad for the hosts. This roster, with 30 players, will be trimmed to 23 before the start of the tournament. The main absence is Benni McCarthy, the Blackburn Rovers striker has been left off the team. MNT fans will notice Steven Pienaar on the squad. A teammate of Tim Howard's at Everton, Pienaar has had an excellent season the Premier League and scored during Everton's victory this weekend.

South Africa Roster by Position

Goalkeepers (4): Brian Baloyi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Rowen Fernandez (Arminia Bielefeld), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs)

Defenders (10): Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Innocent Mdledle (Orlando Pirates), Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn Rovers), Bryce Moon (Panathinaikos), Nasief Morris (Recreativo Huelva), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders (12): Lance Davids (SuperSport United), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Benson Mhlongo (Orlando Pirates), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Masilo Modubi (Westerlo), Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nkosi (Maccabi Netanya), Steven Pienaar (Everton), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Elrio van Heerden (Club Brugge), Bernard Parker (Red Star Belgrade)

Strikers (4): Thembinkosi Fanteni (Maccabi Haifa), Mabhuti Khenyeza (Ajax Cape Town), Katlego Mashego (Orlando Pirates), Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns)