Queiroz issues stern warning

2002-01-03 20:35

Johannesburg - All 22 Bafana Bafana players selected to play in this month's Africa Cup of Nations in Mali are expected to be present when the final preparations get under way on Sunday.

Should they fail to turn up, both them and their clubs will face the wrath of football governing body Fifa.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz issued the warning on Thursday after a training session which involved only 10 players, two of whom are based overseas.

"If players do not pitch on Sunday morning (January 6) we will report the matter to Safa and they will take it up with Fifa because we are following the rules," said Queiroz.

"Fifa rules say players have to be here 14 days before the tournament and that is what we will stick to and we expect everybody to stick to the rules."

With captain Shaun Bartlett given a two-day deadline by his club Charlton Athletic to decide if he will go to Mali, Benni McCarthy's club Porto have asked to hang on to the striker until at least January 12.

Queiroz though has turned down the request, explaining that everybody will be treated the same.

"I need all the players and we need to concentrate and play with confidence. The players understand this because we have one mission; to do well in Mali."

Of those players already in the country, three missed the training session. Sibusiso Zuma was mourning a death in the family, Frank Schoeman became a father on Thursday and Brian Baloyi is still involved with his club, Kaizer Chiefs.

"Baloyi is still working with his club and we have to respect that there will be no problem if they use him on Saturday because the deadline is on Sunday 00:30," said Queiroz.

Chiefs have a league game on Saturday against Wits University at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

The South African squad will depart for Mmabatho on Saturday and will be based there until January 17 when they leave for Mali.

- SAPA