MAMELODI Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has clarified his comments regarding his players in the Bafana Bafana fold.
After Sundowns’ 3-1 victory over SuperSport United in the MTN8 quarterfinals recently, Mosimane responded to media questions about the hectic schedule that awaits the Brazilians.
It was reported that Mosimane pleaded with Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba and the PSL to give his men a break as they face a hectic schedule in the league, Caf Champions League – where they face Zambia’s Zesco United – and MTN8 semifinals against Chippa United on Sunday.
He asked Mashaba not to further exhaust his already worn-out players, some of whom were also suffering from injury, as Mashaba prepared for their damp squib against Mauritania, which they drew 1-1 in Nelspruit last Friday.
A statement from Downs this past weekend quoted Mosimane as saying that his comments were “never for Bra Shakes (Mashaba) not to use Sundowns players, but rather about player and load management”.
Mosimane’s statement reads: “We have even sent a letter to Safa, stating our position. We have been going non-stop since last year and we are very careful with regard to preserving our players.”
Mosimane added: “First of all I was the very same person who went out to the media calling for more Sundowns players to be called up for the national team, why would I turn around and ask for my players not to be called up for the team?”
“I merely made reference to the time when I was a Bafana coach, where I used my discretion not call up players who were engaged in Caf competitions. Coach Gordon (Igesund) did the same too, when he was Bafana coach.
“I will personally call Bra Shakes to clarify this after his matches because the way it came out, it seemed as if I was disrespectful towards him and I would never do that. I have been in his position before and I know the challenges.”
