BANYANA Banyana coach August Makalakalane is refusing to release two players to feature in the more competitive World Student Games, insisting they must play in friendlies.
BANYANA Banyana coach August Makalakalane is refusing to release two players to feature in the more competitive World Student Games, insisting they must play in friendlies.
Lebogang Thobejane and Simphiwe Dludlu were selected by University Sport South Africa (Ussa) for the more competitive biennial global tournament in Serbia from June 30 to July 12.
But Makalakalane wants the two to tour Holland with Banyana for a series of friendlies to prepare for the 2010 African Women's Champions.
Ussa soccer team manager Pearl Mosoane said they were disappointed that Safa did not want the two players to feature in the World Student Games.
"We have been in negotiations with their manager Fran Hilton-Smith since February regarding the two players, [and] we were under the impression that the matter was resolved.
"The problem started when we asked for the passports of the two players; Safa are now sending us from pillar to post. We cannot apply for visa because Fran has the passports.
" I can't understand why is Safa doing this. The World Student Games is a big event used by many top countries to prepare for the Olympics."
Raymond Hack, Safa chief executive officer, said: "The coach has made it clear he wants the two players, they form the core of the team. He is also not happy that the university team's coach (Joseph Mkhonza) was only appointed last week, it will be difficult since they have not even applied for the passports."
Hack promised to investigate the matter when Sowetan put it to him that Mkhonza was appointed two months ago and that Mosoane had been talking to Hilton-Smith since February.
"We are going to forward proof to Safa in the form of e-mails," added Mosoane, whose team will play against Brazil, Germany and South Korea in Serbia.
The team is: Pearl Mamabolo, Lerato Rampedi, Gabisile Hlumbane, Mpelegeng Thobejane, Zinhle Shazi, Abongile Mbawu, Simphiwe Dludlu, Lebogang Thobejane, Jacinta Modiko, Mapotlakele Maserumule, Nondyebo Mgudu, Lindiwe Makhanya, Tsholofelo Masenya, Refilwe Makhando, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Nokuthula Rapakgadi, Zanele Sukazi, Cornelia Makanda and Mokete Motsamai.
no games for banyana duo
BANYANA Banyana coach August Makalakalane is refusing to release two players to feature in the more competitive World Student Games, insisting they must play in friendlies.
BANYANA Banyana coach August Makalakalane is refusing to release two players to feature in the more competitive World Student Games, insisting they must play in friendlies.
Lebogang Thobejane and Simphiwe Dludlu were selected by University Sport South Africa (Ussa) for the more competitive biennial global tournament in Serbia from June 30 to July 12.
But Makalakalane wants the two to tour Holland with Banyana for a series of friendlies to prepare for the 2010 African Women's Champions.
Ussa soccer team manager Pearl Mosoane said they were disappointed that Safa did not want the two players to feature in the World Student Games.
"We have been in negotiations with their manager Fran Hilton-Smith since February regarding the two players, [and] we were under the impression that the matter was resolved.
"The problem started when we asked for the passports of the two players; Safa are now sending us from pillar to post. We cannot apply for visa because Fran has the passports.
" I can't understand why is Safa doing this. The World Student Games is a big event used by many top countries to prepare for the Olympics."
Raymond Hack, Safa chief executive officer, said: "The coach has made it clear he wants the two players, they form the core of the team. He is also not happy that the university team's coach (Joseph Mkhonza) was only appointed last week, it will be difficult since they have not even applied for the passports."
Hack promised to investigate the matter when Sowetan put it to him that Mkhonza was appointed two months ago and that Mosoane had been talking to Hilton-Smith since February.
"We are going to forward proof to Safa in the form of e-mails," added Mosoane, whose team will play against Brazil, Germany and South Korea in Serbia.
The team is: Pearl Mamabolo, Lerato Rampedi, Gabisile Hlumbane, Mpelegeng Thobejane, Zinhle Shazi, Abongile Mbawu, Simphiwe Dludlu, Lebogang Thobejane, Jacinta Modiko, Mapotlakele Maserumule, Nondyebo Mgudu, Lindiwe Makhanya, Tsholofelo Masenya, Refilwe Makhando, Nomathemba Ntsibande, Nokuthula Rapakgadi, Zanele Sukazi, Cornelia Makanda and Mokete Motsamai.
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