Safa in race against time to clear Mokotjo
The SA Football Association (Safa) is working hard to clear overseas-based player Kamohelo Mokotjo to play for Bafana Bafana in their international friendly match against Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
Kamohelo Mokotjo of South Africa. (Photo by Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images)
There is still uncertainly about the availability of Mokotjo to play for South Africa after he acquired Dutch citizenship, but his matter is being handled at the highest level according to Safa.
READ: Mokotjo arrives for Bafana friendlies
“Kamohelo Mokotjo is among the players who reported for the national team camp on Sunday,” said Bafana team manager Barney Kujane on Monday.
“We have this issue whereby the player has obtained a Dutch citizenship – but we have invited him to camp and his matter of citizenship and playing for Bafana Bafana is being handled by the Association (SAFA) and the South African government. As soon as this matter has come to a logical conclusion we will inform the members of the media.
“The reason we have invited him to camp is that Kamohelo has indicated that he wants to play for his country, and we recognise that. As to what happens next we will have to wait for the outcome from the Association. For now he will continue training with the team and preparing for the upcoming matches until further notice.”
All the players have reported for national team duty with the exception of France-based Keagan Dolly who is expected to arrive on Tuesday, to join his compatriots in Durban.
Overseas-based players – Thulani Serero, Andile Jali, Kermit Erasmus, Luther Singh, Lars Veldwijk are also in camp.
Stand-in Bafana coach, Owen da Gama, is optimistic ahead of his side’s match.
“We have brought a very exciting team, I think the technical team has done well in terms of the selection. The thinking was about continuity from the squad that played in the Senegal match, and did very well. We have also added some young and exciting players who have been doing very well for their teams. It is important that we acknowledge players when they do well at their clubs, after all, we always want that at any given time to present you with the best possible Bafana Bafana team,” said Da Gama.
“There are also other players who have been on top of their game and are not here, but they are also under the radar. I have been constantly been asked about specific players who are not selected, but I think it is important that we pay tribute to the players that are here, acknowledge their selection and focus on that. We certainly hope the boys will come out and give a fantastic display of their talent on Saturday.”
After the Guinea-Bissau match, Bafana will move to East London where they will play against Angola on Tuesday March 28.
