Surman turns down South Africa

Andrew Surman

South African-born midfielder Andrew Surman is not interested in playing for Bafana Bafana.

Coach Gordon Igesund was keen to add Surman to his squad for January's Africa Cup of Nations.

But after talks with the midfielder, who plays for English Premier League club Norwich City, Igesund admitted defeat.

"I believe he didn't show us the interest and passion we had expected to play for Bafana Bafana," said Igesund.

"We got the feeling that he is not ready to commit to us so we will not be pursuing that mission anymore."

Surman, 26, was born in Johannesburg before moving to the UK as child.

He has represented England at under-21 level but qualifies for the South Africa senior team under Fifa regulations governing nationality.

Surman has previously rejected approaches from Igesund's predecessors, Carlos Alberto Parreira and Pitso Mosimane.

Igesund has, however, managed to secure the release of midfielders Dean Furman (Oldham Athletic) and Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace) for the Nations Cup.

"Dikgacoi will miss two matches during that period they are joining us early, but somewhere down the line we will return the favour to the club by not calling both players for one or two matches," said Igesund.

"One week in camp early is brilliant for the team. We hope the entire squad to be in camp by 1 January as opposed to the 6th."

Bafana Bafana start a training camp on Sunday ahead of a friendly on Wednesday against African champions Zambia.