Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has released the six Orlando Pirates players from his national squad following a request from the club.

“Orlando Pirates play the game of their lives against Zamalek on August 17,” said Igesund in Johannesburg on Thursday.

“I would like to thank the manner in which Orlando Pirates handled this matter. They didn't demand they have their players released, they requested it.”

Igesund said he had considered the possibility of withdrawals when he named his original 28-man squad for the two friendly fixtures against Nigeria on August 14 and Burkino Faso on August 17.

The coach named David Mathebula and Bennett Chenene as cover for the Pirates players.

Pirates coach Roger de Sa said on Wednesday he wanted to withdraw his players from the Bafana squad for next week's friendly as the match fell three days before his side faced Egyptian club Zamalek in a CAF Champions league group A match at Orlando Stadium.

He felt the six selected players -- Andile Jali, Daine Klate, Senzo Meywia, Thabo Matlaba, Oupa Manyisa and Thandani Ntshumayelo -- would not have had enough time to rest before their crucial club fixture.