Sundowns give up star players
Mamelodi Sundowns has agreed to release all the top players that were called up for Bafana Bafana for the African Nations Cup.
Sundowns will have to face Kaizer Chiefs without some of their star players after announcing their decision to release all the players called up by Bafana Bafana for the African Nations Championship (Chan). Hlompho Kekana, Katlego Mashego, Bryce Moon, Tebogo Langerman and Jabu Shongwe will be released.
The decision to release players came after a teleconference meeting involving Dr Danny Jordaan, Dr Irvin Khoza, Mr Kaizer Motaung and Mr Patrice Motsepe. According to Sundowns’ spokesperson, Kabelo Mosito, the preparations for the clash against Kaizer Chiefs will be conducted in a highly intellectual manner, especially considering the number of days the team has to prepare for the game.
“It is time for the players that are not on Pitso’s favourite list to prove their worth if they hope to cement their places in the starting 11. The likes of Sangweni, Mokoena, Wome, Mphela, Henyekane, Mabunda, Khumalo, Mphahlele, Masenamela, Monama and Henyekane must see this as their opportunity to shine,” said Mosito.
Mosito added that he did not expect many players to be brought in for this game, as the transfer period was his biggest nightmare as a Sandawana at the grandstands. “The players will have an opportunity to show the coach that they are better than the current starting line-up, because in our minds and hearts as Sundowns’ faithfuls they are favourite players, but the coach sees it otherwise,” said Mosito.
Sundowns will face Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier League on 23 January at Loftus Versfeld. The Chan tournament is a competition reserved for domestic-based players and takes place on home soil from 11 January to 1 February.
