South Africa name former San Jose striker for U.S. game

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -- Leeds United striker Davide Somma, who emigrated from South Africa to the U.S as a child, was on Wednesday called up for the first time to play for South Africa in a friendly against the Americans on Nov. 17.

Somma, 25, has scored seven goals for his English club in league and cup this season, earning him a new three-year contract last week.

He was born in Johannesburg but moved to California aged 12. Somma, who also holds an Italian passport, played at San Jose Earthquakes before joining the Championship (second division) side.

South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane named two other uncapped players for the match in Cape Town -- teenaged defender Siyanda Xulu, who was on trial at Arsenal last month, and midfielder Matthew Pattison, previously of Newcastle United and now on the books of South African league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

There is also a return to the squad for Steven Pienaar of Everton and Fulham midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi, both injured when South Africa played a 0-0 draw in Sierea Leone last month in an African Nations Cup qualifier.