South Africa coach Gordon Igesund has insisted that Norwich City midfielder Andrew Surman did not show the 'interest and passion' that was necessary to play for Bafana Bafana.

Surman had rejected an opportunity to join up with the South Africa squad in September, which prompted Igesund to try to persuade the former Southampton midfielder for a second time.

However, the 56-year-old has now admitted defeat in his pursuit of Surman.

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

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

Igesund had been in England to liaise with English clubs over the release of South African players for next year's Africa Cup of Nations tournament.