Chan rules count Bafana captain out

BAFANA BAFANA will be without former Greece-based player Lehlogonolo Masalesa when they face Botswana in an African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier tomorrow at Francistown Stadium (kickoff 3.30pm).

That’s because Masalesa, who captained Stuart Baxter’s side in the Cosafa Cup tournament recently, is not registered with a domestic side following his return from Greek club Larissa.

According to the rules of the Chan competition, only players from the domestic leagues of their countries are eligible to participate in this competition.

Baxter lamented that rule, adding that he could have organised a temporary loan for Masalesa with a domestic side, had he known earlier.

Bafana visit the Zebras for a firstleg meeting of the second qualifying round of the tournament.

“It’s quite unfortunate because Fifa clearly states in one of their rules that an unregistered player can play in an official tournament,” Baxter said.

“But we thought that Caf might have some sort of rule within themselves. And they did. Chan is all about locally-based players and therefore Vieira (Masalesa) had to have a local registration in order for him to participate. If we had known earlier, we would have organised some sort of temporary loan from some or other club for him. But, unfortunately, we do not have time for that now.

“It’s quite a blow for us because we had him in the starting lineup. We’ll now have to change the shape of how we are going to play,” he added.

Baxter stated he had difficulty finding a quick replacement for the 25-year-old defensive midfielder, which led to him calling PSL coaches late on Wednesday evening.

“I’ve spoke to other coaches regarding the matter and coach Pitso (Mosimane, of Sundowns) has been really helpful,” Baxter said. “He’s (allowed) us to take Sibusiso Khumalo with us. We are just hoping that we don’t lose any more players either from injury or from being recalled.”

Baxter said defender Mario Booysen would take over the captaincy.