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chabangu in limbo

Linda Moreotsene

Linda Moreotsene

Lerato Chabangu of Mamelodi Sundowns' impending move to rivals SuperSport United could cost him a place in Bafana Bafana.

While Chabangu went back to training with the rest of the Downs players last Thursday, he said yesterday he was worried that if he does not get game time at Downs it could ruin his chances of donning the Bafana jersey - particularly with the Confederations Cup in June and a slew of international friendlies on the horizon.

To attract Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana's eye Chabangu will have to have played a significant number of matches for his team - something that could be a problem since he has probably annoyed the people who make these decisions at Chloorkop.

"I am obviously worried about that," he said. "Right now, though, I have got to get myself match fit and try and stay active for the next couple of matches."

Chabangu said he could not control what happened to him but he would remain a professional and do his job for The Brazilians.

"I have to remain positive and focus on doing my job but I am ready, come what may. There is not much I can do.

"I have taken notice of the coming matches and there is not much I can do about that," said Chabangu.

The situation bears a striking resemblance to the Anthony Laffor affair.

Last season, the Liberian signed a pre-contract with United, ironically, but then found himself on the sidelines for the remainder of his contract at Jomo Cosmos.

Laffor had been relegated to training with the under-19s.

Right now Chabangu is effectively at the mercy of the Downs technical team, and a player of his calibre could be lost to the national team during one of the busiest and most important moments for local football.

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