Clubs refuse to release Zebras players
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday November 10, 2017 14:51
The concerned clubs are Township Rollers, Orapa United and South African Premiership side, Baroka FC. Mosha Gaolaolwe of Rollers, Orapa duo of Thabang Mosige and Gift Moyo, and Baroka’s Mpho Kgaswane were not released for the Zebras, as they prepare to take on Gabon in a friendly match on Tuesday.
According to Bright, South African side, Baroka FC never responded to their enquiry on Kgaswane and only got to learn through the player that he is carrying an injury.
He said Rollers on the other hand sent an email to inform them that Gaolaolwe was carrying an injury.
“We responded and asked that he report for camp so that we can assess him. They have not responded and he still has not joined the camp,” Bright told journalists yesterday.
He said they faced almost a similar challenge with Orapa United when they called up Mosige and Moyo. “Of course Gift (Moyo) got injured during our friendly match against Namibia. But I understand he played for his club against Jwaneng Galaxy and Black Forest,” he said. He said they were informed about Mosige’s injury before they also learnt that he played a league match afterwards.
After realising that the two players had featured in the league games, they asked the club to release the two players so that they could be assessed in camp, but to no avail. He wondered how the two players could be said to be injured for the national team but then feature in league matches.
Bright said he understands that Orapa is struggling in the league and wondered whether this could be the reason the players have not been released. He said it would be unfortunate if the club is trying to block the players from the national team not because they are currently injured, but because they fear they will get injured on national duty.
He said the BFA has to take the matter up with both CAF and FIFA regarding the incidents since the players were called up for a camp that falls under a FIFA date. “We have taken the matter up with the BFA so that they indicate to these clubs that this is a serious offence,” Bright said.
BFA spokesperson, Tumo Mpatane confirmed that the association would take up the matter and consult with the concerned clubs regarding the issue. “The coach will include it in his report and we will consult with the concerned clubs,” he said.
Two other players who will not be travelling to Gabon are Thabang Sesinyi and Mogakolodi Ngele because of injuries. The two players however did report for the camp where they were assessed and released.
“Sesinyi is struggling with a groin injury. We communicated with his coach, Roger De Sa, who informed us that the player missed the last three matches because of injury. He did report for camp though and is injured as confirmed by the Zebras team doctor,” Bright said.