Bafana Bafana head coach, Gordon Igesund, could be dealt another CHAN blow in the coming days, with Mamelodi Sundowns yet to decide on the release of players.

There has been some confusion with regards to the tournament, which begins next month, with Kaizer Chiefs originally saying that they would not be released any of their players for the competition.
 

SAFA have since insisted that an agreement was reached between both Chiefs and Sundowns that allows them to take the players on camp before releasing them ahead of the January 23 game which sees them go head-to-head.

However, that has now been thrown up in the air with Sundown’s statement, with them saying that they may need their players (Tebogo Langerman, Jabu Shongwe, Hlompho Kekana, Katlego Mashego and Bryce Moon) for the game.

A statement on their club website read, “Mamelodi Sundowns are yet to make a decision on releasing players for the CHAN 2014 Tournament, as its a bit difficult get everyone involved around the table during the holidays to discuss the possibilities.

“However we always want to do what is right, especially where national interests are concerned. You will remember what we did during the COSAFA Senior Challenge, where even though we were in the middle of our important pre season, we released more players than any other team because we understood the importance.

“On 23 January 2014, we have a very crucial top of the table clash and in making the decision about releasing players for the national team, we have to strike a balance.”

The CHAN tournament begins on January 11 when Igesund’s men take on Mozambique in their opening Group A fixture at Cape Town Stadium.