By Andrew Warshaw
November 5 – South African officials are trying to get players contracted to European clubs released early in order to prepare for January’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Officials including head coach Gordon Igesund (pictured top) and his assistant Serame Letsoaka have flown to England to try to forge an agreement to get their players to be allowed to link up with the national squad three weeks before the event.
“According to FIFA rules, the players can only report for national duty 14 days before the start…in this case the 5th of January,” said Igesund.
“Our main aim in England will be to try and get the players released early from their respective clubs so that they can join us at least 21 days before the start.”
While in England, officials are hoping to meet with former Bafana Bafana captain Steven Pienaar who has retired from international football – although it is unclear whether they will be trying to get him to change his mind.
Thereafter, they will also be travelling Greece, Belgium and Holland to meet the coaches of the South African players based there in order to make the same request about early release.
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