Bafana coach now at Wits' end

Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba continues to face an uphill battle after Bidvest Wits yesterday confirmed they would release only one of the three players called up for national duty.

Defender Thulani Hlatshwayo and midfielder Jabulani Shongwe will not be part of the team that will face Ivory Coast in the Nelson Mandela Challenge at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday.

The encounter falls outside the Fifa calendar.

But Wits have allowed right-back Siyabonga Nhlapo to join Bafana for the clash.

Also, Kaizer Chiefs have refused to release goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo and defender Eric Mathoho.

Amakhosi play Wits in a league game on Wednesday.

Wits CEO Jose Ferreira said: "We have only agreed to release one of the three players.

"It's got to do with the fact that we have back-to-back games. We will be playing every single weekend from now."

Mashaba chose not to comment on the clubs' decision.

He said: "I don't want to make a comment about any team.

"If they are not available, then we will have to make changes."

The Africa Cup of Nations is less than two months away, and Mashaba has urged his new call-ups, such as Puleng Tlolane and Lerato Lamola, to seize the moment. Both could make the final squad if they impress.

Mashaba admitted he was concerned that striker Tokelo Rantie could miss the Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

Rantie dislocated his shoulder while playing for English club Bournemouth at the weekend.