Johannesburg — THE national U23 soccer side's hopes of qualifying for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens were dealt a blow yesterday when Ajax Amsterdam midfielder Steven Pienaar was withdrawn from the squad at the eleventh hour.

Amaglug-glug as the U23 side are known face Ghana away in an Olympic qualifier on October 26. Pienaar was named in the team read out by coach Kenneth "Conti" Kubheka earlier in the day.

The then jovial mentor was delighted he finally had a full-strength side, as the game against Ghana marks the start of the crucial qualifying group stages. The joy, however, was short-lived when Pienaar's name was withdrawn from the squad late yesterday afternoon.

The South African Football Association (Safa) said that Pienaar was withdrawn "after intense negotiations" between the organisation and Ajax. The midfielder would in future be available for only Bafana Bafana games, Safa said.

Incredibly, Kubheka was unaware of these developments when contacted for his reaction. He was shocked by the late withdrawal of his potential matchwinner and later said he would only be able to comment after meeting Safa officials.

Pienaar's inclusion in the squad was always going to be tricky as Ajax host Spanish side Celta Vigo in the Champions League next Wednesday. Ajax are currently second on the Champions League table in group H and trail title holders AC Milan by a point.

A slip-up against the Spaniards at home would prove very costly as only a point separates the Dutch giants from the visitors.

Back at home, the latest setback has jeopardised Kubheka's preparations as Amaglug-glug need their best players to prevail in the six qualifying matches that stand between the team and participation in the Olympic Games.

The squad travels to Ghana on Wednesday and Kubheka will hope his sole European-based player, Nasief Morris, makes the trip. The team has already been weakened by the withdrawal of captain Gabriel Mofokeng through injury.