TOO FAT TO KEEP
Masule axed from Zebras squad for being overweight
Yes, I was released from the national team camp as I was deemed overweight
The newly signed Security Systems goal minder was this week dropped from the national team by coach Adel Amrouche for being overweight.
The Zebras is in camp in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON) qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Algeria later this month.
“Yes, I was released from the national team camp as I was deemed overweight,” the 29-year-old admitted in an interview with
The shot-stopper, who has also donned the colours of Township Rollers, BDF XI (on loan) and Orapa United, blames inaction and suspension of sports for his ballooning weight.
“When I got called up to camp, my weight was at 97kg and I was told to lose at least eight kilograms which I’m currently working on,” revealed Masule.
The visibly disappointed goalie told Voice Sport that going for almost a year without football action due to Covid-19 has taken its toll on most players.
“I’m no exception, I just have to keep on working hard because I believe I still have a lot to offer to the national team,” Masule said.
The Kazungulaborn lad was quick to point out that he had no hard feelings towards the Technical Team for dropping him from the squad.
“I don’t hold any grudges. I fully understand the technical team’s reason for axing me from the squad,” he said, adding that he would have loved to be a part of the team in their attempt to qualify for their second AFCON finals.
“I wish the team well and urge all other players to keep training because this can happen to anyone,” warned Masule.
The lanky goalminder is, however, no stranger to disappointment. In the 2018/19 season, he signed for the then ABSA Premiership outfit, Chippa United, to replace Daniel Akpeyi, but had to contend with an on-form Mbongeni Mzimela.
The former Rollers keeper finished the season without a single appearance in the Premier Soccer League. The team then terminated his contract as he was deemed surplus to requirements. Reports at the time also suggested that Chippa United management was not happy with the player’s fitness.
Reflecting on his stay in Port Elizabeth and a very short stint in the PSL, Masule said the experience was long enough for him to feel the pressure of playing in an elite league.
“You’re expected to perform at your highest level every weekend, and that takes a great deal of hard work. Sometimes all you need is a bit of luck to make it in these leagues, and I think most of our players who didn’t make it in the PSL were unlucky,” concluded Masule, who vowed to shed the bulge.