Shakes Mashaba yesterday named what looked a strong Bafana Bafana squad for next week's return leg of the African Nations Championship qualifier against Mauritius.
But the SA Football Association admitted it hadn't got guarantees from clubs that the 18 players selected would pitch for camp on Sunday.
Last week, Mashaba was forced to cancel training twice ahead of the first leg at Dobsonville Stadium, which Bafana won 3-0, but Safa's Dominic Chimhavi said the association had not communicated with clubs to ensure they released players for a tie which falls outside the Fifa calendar.
"We sent the names of the players we want to the PSL, which has to forward call-ups to the clubs. We don't speak directly with the clubs," Chimhavi said.
He added that Safa would bank on the "goodwill" of clubs to release players, and would engage them directly only where there was a "disagreement".
"Those clubs who helped us for the first leg... we are hopeful that they will do the same. The coach retained virtually the same side, so we don't foresee problems."
Bafana face Mauritius next Sunday at the 18 000-seat Stade Anjalay (kickoff 5pm SA time).
While Mashaba retained 16 players who played in last week's 3-0 demolition of Mauritius, he added Orlando Pirates defenders Thabo Matlaba and Ntsikelelo Nyauza, who are with their club in Congo for tomorrow's CAF Confederation Cup fixture against AC Leopards.
They return on Monday.
"What we are looking for are players who will show big- match temperament because Mauritius will throw everything at us," Mashaba said in a Safa press release.
"The good thing, though, is that we also know what we are going to face. The first match gave us an indication of our strong points and weak points. We are not going for a draw; we will go for a win.
"This game does not fall on the Fifa calendar week, but we are hopeful the clubs will release the players. We request them to bear with us." Bafana report for camp on Sunday and will travel to Mauritius on Thursday.
SQUAD:
Jackson Mabokgwane, Itumeleng Khune, Wandisile Letlabika, Thabo Matlaba, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Tshepo Gumede, Marc van Heerden, Kwanda Mngonyama, Gift Motupa, Thabang Monare, Musa Nyatama, Mandla Masango, William Twala, Vuyisile Wana, Bonginkosi Ntuli, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Ndumiso Mabena, Siphelele Ntshangase
Clubs can foil Shakes' plans
Shakes Mashaba yesterday named what looked a strong Bafana Bafana squad for next week's return leg of the African Nations Championship qualifier against Mauritius.
But the SA Football Association admitted it hadn't got guarantees from clubs that the 18 players selected would pitch for camp on Sunday.
Last week, Mashaba was forced to cancel training twice ahead of the first leg at Dobsonville Stadium, which Bafana won 3-0, but Safa's Dominic Chimhavi said the association had not communicated with clubs to ensure they released players for a tie which falls outside the Fifa calendar.
"We sent the names of the players we want to the PSL, which has to forward call-ups to the clubs. We don't speak directly with the clubs," Chimhavi said.
He added that Safa would bank on the "goodwill" of clubs to release players, and would engage them directly only where there was a "disagreement".
"Those clubs who helped us for the first leg... we are hopeful that they will do the same. The coach retained virtually the same side, so we don't foresee problems."
Bafana face Mauritius next Sunday at the 18 000-seat Stade Anjalay (kickoff 5pm SA time).
While Mashaba retained 16 players who played in last week's 3-0 demolition of Mauritius, he added Orlando Pirates defenders Thabo Matlaba and Ntsikelelo Nyauza, who are with their club in Congo for tomorrow's CAF Confederation Cup fixture against AC Leopards.
They return on Monday.
"What we are looking for are players who will show big- match temperament because Mauritius will throw everything at us," Mashaba said in a Safa press release.
"The good thing, though, is that we also know what we are going to face. The first match gave us an indication of our strong points and weak points. We are not going for a draw; we will go for a win.
"This game does not fall on the Fifa calendar week, but we are hopeful the clubs will release the players. We request them to bear with us." Bafana report for camp on Sunday and will travel to Mauritius on Thursday.
SQUAD:
Jackson Mabokgwane, Itumeleng Khune, Wandisile Letlabika, Thabo Matlaba, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Tshepo Gumede, Marc van Heerden, Kwanda Mngonyama, Gift Motupa, Thabang Monare, Musa Nyatama, Mandla Masango, William Twala, Vuyisile Wana, Bonginkosi Ntuli, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Ndumiso Mabena, Siphelele Ntshangase
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