ORLANDO Pirates coach Roger de Sa hailed the decision by Gordon Igesund yesterday to release his players from the national squad for the two friendly matches against Nigeria and Burkino Faso.
“Hats off to Gordon for making the right decision in my mind,” said De Sa after he heard the news.
“I would have expected it to happen, but I spoke to Gordon and he understood where I was coming from. It was a footballing decision and common sense prevailed.”
Bafana coach Gordon Igesund released the six Orlando Pirates players from his national squad following a request from the club.
Pirates made the appeal after six of their players – Senzo Meyiwa, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Thandani Ntshumayelo, Thabo Matlaba and Daine Klate – were called up for national duty in a match that will be played three days before their Caf Champions League fixture against Zamalek.
“Orlando Pirates play the game of their lives against Zamalek on August 17,” said Igesund in Johannesburg yesterday.
“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.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, considering that we were using this as part of our preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Botswana.”
The Bafana coach 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.
“I have been asked why I picked the players in the first place, but it is important for everyone to understand that I have the responsibility to the country to pick the best players to ensure that the best represent the country at all times,” said Igesund.
Continued Igesund: “It is not about Pirates or any other club but about the interest of the nation. Today it is Orlando Pirates who are having this challenge, and tomorrow it could be Kaizer Chiefs, or Ajax Cape Town or Maritzburg United.”
The coach named David Mathebula and Bennett Chenene as cover for the Pirates players.
Orlando Pirates welcomed the decision.
“We are grateful that the national team has agreed to our request. We have always been mindful of the fact that this is a Fifa weekend and the onus lay with the Bafana Bafana head coach on whether to release the players or not,” said Floyd Mbele, Pirates administrator.
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 would not have had enough time to rest before their crucial club fixture. — Sapa
Igesund gives Bucs top stars a break
“Hats off to Gordon for making the right decision in my mind,” said De Sa after he heard the news.
“I would have expected it to happen, but I spoke to Gordon and he understood where I was coming from. It was a footballing decision and common sense prevailed.”
Bafana coach Gordon Igesund released the six Orlando Pirates players from his national squad following a request from the club.
Pirates made the appeal after six of their players – Senzo Meyiwa, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Thandani Ntshumayelo, Thabo Matlaba and Daine Klate – were called up for national duty in a match that will be played three days before their Caf Champions League fixture against Zamalek.
“Orlando Pirates play the game of their lives against Zamalek on August 17,” said Igesund in Johannesburg yesterday.
“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.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, considering that we were using this as part of our preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Botswana.”
The Bafana coach 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.
“I have been asked why I picked the players in the first place, but it is important for everyone to understand that I have the responsibility to the country to pick the best players to ensure that the best represent the country at all times,” said Igesund.
Continued Igesund: “It is not about Pirates or any other club but about the interest of the nation. Today it is Orlando Pirates who are having this challenge, and tomorrow it could be Kaizer Chiefs, or Ajax Cape Town or Maritzburg United.”
The coach named David Mathebula and Bennett Chenene as cover for the Pirates players.
Orlando Pirates welcomed the decision.
“We are grateful that the national team has agreed to our request. We have always been mindful of the fact that this is a Fifa weekend and the onus lay with the Bafana Bafana head coach on whether to release the players or not,” said Floyd Mbele, Pirates administrator.
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 would not have had enough time to rest before their crucial club fixture. — Sapa
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