JOHANNESBURG. Sept 8 (Reuters/ Internet): Seven Mozambique footballers have been suspended indefinitely be- I cause of incidents on recent ’ visits to Portugal and South , Africa.

Six players from Maputo club Costa do Sol were alleged to have stolen clothing and ; footwear from shops in the Por- [ tuguese town of Figuieria do Fox. said Mozambican football | federation president Mario . Coluna on Tuesday. I

They were not prosecuted because the goods were returned, he added.

The Costa do Sol squad was । in Portugal preparing for an ( African Cup Winners' Cup quar- ’ ter-final against Wydad Casablanca in Morocco, which they lost 6-3 on Sunday.

Under-20 international Ar- I mando Chaluco was arrested ' for a similar offence in South . Africa last week. Coluna added.

Chaluco. 17. was sentenced to six months and fined 2.000 rand ($326) but the jail term was suspended for four years because of the player's age.

These players have dragged Mozambique's name through the mud.” said Coluna.

They should be punished I and if these actions continue we will have to suspend the participation of Mozambique in international competition because we will conclude that we do not have respectable players who can represent the country."

National coach Arnaldo Salvado left out several Costa do Sol players when he announced his 17-strong squad on Tuesday for this weekend's Cosafa Castle Cup match against Namibia in Windhoek.

The national team has got to consist of Mozambican players with good behaviour." said Salvado.

Government officials also condemned the Incidents. National director of sports Antonio Munguambe warned sports associations to take strict action against errant members.