PSL stars go missing

2005-12-27 21:28

Patrick Baloyi

Johannesburg - The PSL XI squad that will play Bafana Bafana in two friendly training matches suffered a setback when nine key players failed to arrive at camp on Tuesday.

Under instructions from Bafana coach Ted Dumitru, the 11 players who did not make it into Dumitru's 26-man squad announced last week were supposed to be part of joint PSL coaches Khabo Zondo and Kosta Papic's squad, in order to be given a final chance to impress Dumitru before he finalises his squad of 23 which will travel to Egypt to play in the African Nations Cup next month.

Zondo, the Golden Arrows coach, said he was disappointed by the players' attitude.

Only Ajax Cape Town defender George Mofokeng and Benoni Premier United captain Tsepo Masilela made it to the camp.

Those who failed to report were Jabu Pule, Rowen Fernandez, Dillon Sheppard, Phil Evans, Siyabonga Nkosi, Alfred Phiri, Brian Kgafane, Arthur Zwane and Scara Ngobese.

Said Zondo: "This is pathetic. We cannot allow such behaviour from professionals. We are supposed to be pulling together in our quest to redeem our national pride and help prepare Bafana for Egypt."

"I have no explanation for their absence. They will not be part of our plans. It is up to Ted (Dumitru) to decide on what further action is to be taken.

"But we still have a formidable squad to test Bafana. And we will give Ted's boys a run for their money."

The first game to be played behind closed doors, takes place at Johannesburg Stadium on Thursday night. The second game will be played at King's Park Stadium in Durban on January 4.

The PSL XI squad:

Goalkeepers: Wayne Sandilands (Silver Stars), Brendon Wardle (Santos).

Defenders: Sailor Tshabalala, Innocent Mdledle (Orlando Pirates), Lucky Mhlathi, Thapelo Tshilo (Jomo Cosmos), Siphiwe Mkhonza (Kaizer Chiefs), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Oscar Ntwagae (Mamelodi Sundowns), Brett Evans (Ajax Cape Town).

Midfielders: Simphiwe Tshabalala (Free State Stars), Franklin Cale (Ajax Cape Town), Solomon Mathe (Orlando Pirates), Vusimuzi Dlamani (Dynamos), Thokozani Mshengu and Mlungisi Gumbi (Golden Arrows), Thapelo Liau (Moroka Swallows), Gerald Sibeko and Gert Schalkwyk (Kaizer Chiefs), Nicholas Mkhabela (Dynamos), Stanley Kgatla (Silver Stars). Strikers: Sandile Ndlovu and Suprise Moriri (Sundowns), Moses Spandeel (Bloemfontein Celtic), Mulondo Skhivhilo (Black Leopards), Alton Meiring (Golden Arrows).

- Daily Sun