Ntseki hails PSL clubs for boosting Bafana ahead of Malawi clash

Molefi Ntseki. Photo credit: SAFA

Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki has expressed gratitude to PSL clubs for their cooperation in releasing key players ahead of the decisive African Nations Championship (CHAN) second-leg qualifier against Malawi.

The CHAN encounter will be played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday.

Ntseki is a pleased man as the arrival of six influential players has injected fresh impetus into the Bafana squad as they aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg.

On Thursday afternoon, Ntseki welcomed top players such as Mamelodi Sundowns star Neo Maema, Ndumulelo Maphangule, Victor Letsoalo, Siyanda Msani, Simon Ramabu and Kamogelo Sebelebele for a training session.

These players were unavailable for the first leg away from home as they were in action for their respective teams in the Betway Premiership.

In preparation for the return leg, Bafana played a friendly match against second-tier league side Casric Stars at Loftus on Thursday, and Ntseki said he was impressed with the players in camp.

“I think the first one was us playing the game we played in Malawi, and the plan was to get a goal and not to concede. Unfortunately, we struggled with the game management,” said Ntseki.

"...We made requests to the clubs to release players, especially clubs that are not playing this weekend. So, we are aware that Chippa United played Sundowns on Wednesday and Orlando Pirates played Golden Arrows on Tuesday, and then there is also the Nedbank Cup final this coming weekend (Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates).”

Ntseki added that since clubs have availed their players, he has a stronger and balanced squad at his disposal .

“The teams responded very positively because they ended up sending six of the players that we needed in camp.”