It is disappointing clubs would not release players in their pre-season for the South Africa Under-23s’ crucial first leg of their CAF U-23 Championship qualifier against Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday‚ said stand-in assistant coach Shaun Bartlett.
From the original 23 named by SA U-23 coach Owen Da Gama‚ 11 are missing due to injuries or being withdrawn by their clubs.
Six new players have been added to an 18-man final squad that will travel to Harare tomorrow (Friday).
“It’s always disappointing when you when you can’t get the players you asked for originally‚” Bartlett said today.
“I think the coach had an idea and a plan as to which squad he wanted to assemble‚ and obviously going then to his first XI. And I think it’s disappointing the clubs not wanting to release players in the pre-season. But I think the players who have come in obviously have to do the job as well.”
Former Bafana striker Bartlett has been roped in as a stand-in assistant coach in the absence of Thabo Senong‚ with Deshi Bhaktawer brought in as a temporary goalkeeper-coach
Shaun Bartlett can't field first-choice team for CAF contest
From the original 23 named by SA U-23 coach Owen Da Gama‚ 11 are missing due to injuries or being withdrawn by their clubs.
Six new players have been added to an 18-man final squad that will travel to Harare tomorrow (Friday).
“It’s always disappointing when you when you can’t get the players you asked for originally‚” Bartlett said today.
“I think the coach had an idea and a plan as to which squad he wanted to assemble‚ and obviously going then to his first XI. And I think it’s disappointing the clubs not wanting to release players in the pre-season. But I think the players who have come in obviously have to do the job as well.”
Former Bafana striker Bartlett has been roped in as a stand-in assistant coach in the absence of Thabo Senong‚ with Deshi Bhaktawer brought in as a temporary goalkeeper-coach
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos