A South African squad crisis over withdrawals threatens to undermine the Socceroos' World Cup farewell match in Sydney on Monday.
The unavailability of players from South Africa's glamour clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in particular could reportedly leave the touring Bafana Bafana severely weakened when they meet Ange Postecoglou's Brazil-bound team at ANZ Stadium.
FFA boss David Gallop attempted to allay concern on Tuesday, expressing confidence South Africa will provide the new-look Socceroos with the decent hit out they want in front of home fans.
However South Africa coach Gordon Igesund's comments suggested that was far from certain.
"I can't give any details right now," Igesund told South Africa's wire service SAPA about the player withdrawals.
"We are trying to solve the problem."
Igesund couldn't even guarantee there would be training on Tuesday, saying he couldn't run a session without players.
The coach was expected to give more information on the situation at a media conference in Johannesburg on Tuesday (local time).
The South Africans are due to fly out on Wednesday and an unnamed squad official said there were more officials and media booked to go at the moment than players.
"It's a disaster if something can't be sorted out," the official said.
More than half the tickets have been sold for the ANZ Stadium match, as fans seize the chance to wish the Socceroos well for next month's World Cup.
Gallop admitted it was difficult to find a team that would really test the Socceroos in a friendly this close to the World Cup.
"We didn't choose top class opposition because that's a difficult thing to do at this time of year with teams going to Brazil, but we're sure South Africa will be competitive," he said.
With three players to be cut from the 30-man Socceroos squad next Tuesday and the final 23 to be named in Brazil on June 2, the Australians also want a good contest to press claims.
"We've got a new squad and obviously there's a big battle on to make the final 23," Gallop said.
South Africa's Soccer Laduma website had reported that national captain Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker and Simphiwe Tshabalala, all from Kaizer Chiefs, were among players who won't make the trip.
Parker was said to be nursing a knee injury, while Chiefs' medical staff said all three players were set to undergo surgery for injuries.
Crystal Palace midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi pulled out a week ago to have leg surgery and was followed by Russian-based defender Siyanda Xulu.
Others have since joined the exodus, citing injury and exhaustion after a gruelling season culminating in South Africa's Nedbank Cup Final last Saturday.
South Africa are due to fly to Auckland to play New Zealand four days after the Socceroos clash.
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