Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has voiced his frustration at Rulani Mokwena after the Mamelodi Sundowns mentor pointed out that some of his players were carrying injuries when they returned from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking in the post-match press conference following the 2-0 win over Maritzburg United in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16, Rulani revealed that the core of his players who were in the AFCON squad have been battling issues.
Mothobi Mvala, Thapelo Maseko, and Khuliso Mudau sustained injuries in the tournament and have not featured for the club upon returning from Cote d’Ivoire.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was not named on the matchday squad, while Tebogo Mokoena was left on the bench as he suffers from knee problems.
With Bafana having arrived in Algiers ahead of their friendlies against Algeria and Andorra, Broos was asked about the Sundowns players who were mentioned by Rulani.
“If they are really injured, they have to inform us and not talk with the press and tell them they are injured.
“I think we have a doctor. They know we have a doctor; they have the phone number of the doctor, so why don’t they call us and give us a medical report?
“They didn’t do it, so that means they are fit. I’m very sorry, I can’t go on rumors and saying of coach Rulani and maybe the technical director telling me they are injured – give me a medical report! And then our doctor will decide if they are injured or not.
“I’m very sorry, but I don’t like that kind of thing and telling to press some things. They have to call us and say, ‘look, this is the problem with the player and this is the medical report. They didn’t do it, so for me they are fit. Final,” Broos told the media in Annaba.
Rulani raises fitness concerns on players called up for Bafana squad
Broos says he expects the seven Sundowns players to be part of the team’s preparations.
“I don’t have that information, I expect the seven players of Sundowns here tonight in camp.
“I heard some rumors. I read some thing of coach Rulani who said ‘those players are not fit’. Why is he talking to the press? Why don’t the medical staff of Sundowns contact our medical staff?
“Why do they don’t tell them ‘this is the problem and this is the medical report? Look, those players are not fit and well’.
But they didn’t, they just talk with the press.
“I’m very sorry, but I can’t believe what’s in the papers. This is a very important matter; you have to talk to the doctor and not in the press. I’m very sorry, but I’m upset about that kind of information,” added Broos.
Bafana take on Andorra in a friendly on Thursday, before facing Algeria on Tuesday.
