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FC Steaua București general manager Mihai Stoica has hit out at the financial impact of the defender's exclusion from South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. The former Kaizer Chiefs defender was a high-profile absentee from Hugo Broos' selection, cutting the Romanian giants out of a significant FIFA windfall.

The 28-year-old defender has moved to clear the air regarding reports of his omission from South Africa's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, blaming a breakdown in communication at his Romanian club FCSB for the confusion and handing Hugo Broos a significant boost by returning to action in Romania, proving his fitness just in time for the final selection process.

Reports have emerged from the eastern European country where the 28-year-old is based that claim the centre-back has been cut from the Mzansi national team coach’s plans, missing out on the World Cup squad. Despite being a consistent performer in recent seasons, the defender finds himself on the outside looking in as South Africa prepares for the global showpiece.

The South African legend has identified the three players he believes should replace the talented centre-back if he fails to recover in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With the former Kaizer Chiefs defender struggling for fitness following a series of injury setbacks in Romania, North America might come too soon for the 28-year-old.