BY Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana started their second week of camp with a full contingent of 27 players following the arrival of six players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United who missed the first week of preparations due to the Nedbank Cup final played on Saturday (26 May).

Bafana Bafana will face Ethiopia in a 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifier on Sunday, 3 June 2012.
Kickoff is at 15h00.

The three players who were on standby – Luvhengo Mungomeni, Lehlohonolo Masalesa and Thami Sangweni – have been released.

Striker Lehlohonolo Majoro, who was a late call-up as a precaution to the non-arrival of Eleazar Rodgers who was involved in the National First Division play-offs, will continue with camp.
Three other players who started camp with niggling injuries – Siyabonga Sangweni, Siyabonga Nomvethe and Oupa Manyisa – have rejoined their teammates at full training after recovering from their injuries.

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane told the media that he was still waiting for an official word from Moeneeb Josephs regarding his non-arrival in camp.

“This is now an administrative issue, but as the technical team we also have to apply our minds because we have a camp to run. We haven’t received any official correspondence from the Football Association or the player, we only heard about his retirement in the media but would still like to meet the player and get to the bottom of this so we can all move forward. As Bafana Bafana we haven’t closed the door on Moeneeb and he is most welcome to be part of the national team. We need to give him a hearing before we can rule him out. I love Moeneeb’s passion and he always gives his all when he is in the national team,” said Mosimane.

“Today is the official start of camp according to FIFA rules, but should he not be able to arrive, we will not bring in any replacement as we have three goalkeepers. But I need to bring to your attention that this is a very crucial week for us and for the country as we embark on the road to 2014 Brazil, and we would like to focus on players who are in camp as we approach the match against Ethiopia on Sunday. I think that’s where we will leave this issue until we get correspondence from either the player or the Football Association.”

Bafana Bafana captain Steven Pienaar believes the squad now needs to focus as this is the final week before the match.

“The first week of training went very well and now that we have all the players it’s time we focus and go for the maximum six points against Ethiopia and Botswana. We know what lies ahead for the team and the country especially after the failure of 2012 AFCON. Right now we have to enjoy our game and have a smile when we get onto the park so we can leave them on the faces of our supporters following a win,” said Pienaar.

“As for me, I have had a great second half season after moving clubs and I hope it will rub off on the national team. I was rejuvenated after coming back from injury, I came back more hungry. I know Ethiopia will not be an easy side but we know what we need to do, what is expected of us. What makes the game even more difficult is that we go in as favourites, but we know it is 11 v 11 and we are not playing amateurs so we have to work for victory – but we have the capability to do so,” said Pienaar.
On a sad note, midfielder Thulani Serero has been released from camp following the passing away of his father on Sunday (27 May) night.

“Our deepest condolences to Serero during these trying times, and we ask him to stay strong as he deals with his sad loss. Our heartfelt condolences also go to his family and we pray that they find comfort in prayer. Serero has been requested to take as much time as he wants during this difficult time and he has our support because it is not easy to lose someone close to you,” said Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane.