Masalesa disappointed with Chan squad withdrawal
Bafana Bafana midfielder Lehlogonolo Masalesa is in low spirits after he was withdrawn from the team to face Botswana in the 2018 African Nations Championship qualifiers on Saturday.
Lehlogonolo Masalesa (Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix)
Masalesa was initially selected for match by coach Stuart Baxter, however, Chan rules state that players that play in the tournament must play in the domestic leagues.
“Like any other player, I would have loved to play for my country because it is quite an honour to be called up. I was really looking forward to continuing on the good work we had started in the Cosafa Castle Cup,” said Masalesa.
“I am very disappointed that I am no longer part of the squad that is going to play against Botswana, but then again I understand because rules are rules.”
The former Orlando Pirates midfielder captained the national team in the Cosafa Castle Cup in matches against Tanzania, Botswana and Namibia.
“After not being in the national team set-up for such a long time, it was a great honour to be called up again and to be handed the captain’s armband was just a cherry on top as I did not expect that.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank head coach Stuart Baxter and his technical team for the faith and belief they had in me. I just hope it was the beginning of good things to come. I will always cherish those special moments when I led the team onto the field.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the guys well, and I know they can do it. Even though the team has changed slightly, we still have good players that can bring back a positive result. They will always have my support, they must just go and make themselves and the country proud.”
