Pitso's dilemma
THERE seems to be a new problem each time Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has to pick a line-up for his squad. Of late, local clubs have been unwilling to release their players for national duty.
That is now water under the bridge.
But with the PSL in recess since December 21, Mosimane's newest spot of bother is that those players he'd have available to him may not be in peak physical condition.
According to an insider at Safa, the coach will be forced to look beyond the PSL and cast his eyes abroad to look for players in preparation for their international friendly game against Senegal next month.
With the game being played on a Fifa date, all the clubs will be compelled to release their players for national duty.
Top of Mosimane's problems will be the unavailability of the country's top keeper, Itumeleng Khune, who has been out of action since his surprise back injury during the Africa Nations Cup last qualifying match against Sierra Leone in October last year. He made a timely return to the gym last week and started with light training.
Europe-based Darren Keet could not have been a better replacement for Khune. Moeneeb Joseph of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns keeper Wayne Sandilands should come in as reserves.
It must have been heartening for Mosimane to receive news that the current leading goal scorer in the country, Katlego Mphela will no longer go for a knee operation, which was going to rule him out for the rest of the season.
There is no doubt that Thulani Serero will lead the attacking force while David Somma of Leeds United is expected to make a timely recovery from his injury. The Bafana medical team are said to be monitoring his progress.
The return of captain Steven Pienaar to his former club Everton, should give him an opportunity for more game time.
The team is expected to be composed largely of the foreign legion comprising players like May Mahlangu, Dylon Classen, Siboniso Gaxa, Anele Ngcongca, Kagisho, Dikgacoi, Tsepo Masilela and Kamogelo Mokotjo and Bevan Fransman.
Senegal made a disastrous appearance in the ongoing Afcon tournament.
Effervescent : Thulani Serero is to lead the Bafana Bafana attack against Senegal. Picture by Gallo Images