Pitso answers Baxter’s SOS call for Botswana game
JOHANNESBURG: Bafana Bafana will be without former Greece-based player Lehlogonolo Masalesa when they take on Botswana in an African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier tomorrow at Francistown Stadium (Kick-off 3.30pm).
That’s because Masalesa, who captained Stuart Baxter’ side in the Cosafa Cup recently, is not registered with a domestic side following his return from Greek club Larissa.
According to the Chan competition rules, only players playing in their countries’ domestic leagues are eligible.
Baxter lamented the rule, adding he could have organised a temporary loan for Masalesa with a domestic side, had he known earlier.
Bafana travelled to Botswana yesterday. They meet the Zebras in the first leg of the tournament’s second qualifying round.
“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 (that might prohibit Masalesa from participating in this competition). And they did. Chan is all about locally based players and therefore Vieira had to have a local registration in order for him to participate in this tournament. If we had known earlier, we would have organised some sort of temporary loan from some 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 line-up,” Baxter added. “We’ll now have to change the shape of how we are going to play (this Saturday).”
Baxter had difficulty in finding a quick replacement for the 25-year-old central defensive midfielder, which led to him calling PSL coaches in the late hours of Wednesday. The Scotsman said he received good assistance from Pitso Mosimane.
“I’ve been talking to other coaches regarding the matter and coach Pitso has been really helpful,” Baxter said. “He’s going to allow us to take Sibusiso Khumalo with. We are now in the process of getting him on board in time. We are just hoping that we don’t lose any more players either from injury or from being recalled.”
Baxter said Mario Booysen will take over the captaincy.
“Apart from Vieira, Mario has been the one who’s taken the responsibility on his shoulders and tried to lead the team (from the back). He’s got a bit more of an experience and apart from that, he’s a centre-back. I like giving the armband to defenders instead of forwards and wingers because (forwards and wingers) are more concentrated in their own roles and are not drawn into helping other people.
“There are a lot of characteristics that one looks out for in a captain,” Baxter added. “Defenders embody those characteristics of pulling the team together when the chips are down and so yes ... Mario will take the job.”