Molefi Ntseki confirms Monnapule Saleng release from Bafana Bafana

Bafana travel to face Egypt in their second leg African Nations Championships qualifier in Cairo on Sunday, with Saleng, who has not featured for Pirates since December last year set to miss the trip after featuring in the first leg last Sunday. 

Without shedding light on the reasons behind the 26-year-old’s release from camp, Ntseki confirmed changes to the travelling squad.

"Ja, Saleng is not part of the group that will be travelling to Egypt, so the players that are here will give us a very good balance and we are looking forward to giving other players a chance," said Ntseki.

"Like anybody who was given a chance against Egypt in the first leg – and they did well, and we are very positive with what we have in camp, going to Egypt, we know they will be giving their best for their country."

Other players released from camp include Pirates midfielder Azola Tshobeni, Nduduzo Mhlongo of Golden Arrows, and Naledi Hlongwane of Kaizer Chiefs. 

Ntseki further confirmed the additions of TS Galaxy striker Victor Letsoalo and Royal AM duo Mondli Mpoto and Levy Mashiane.

"We realised after the game that there are certain positions that we need to reinforce, especially having to go and play Egypt in Egypt, so we have released a few of our players, and brought in a few players to balance the squad," he added.

"We had to release them back to their clubs – Azola Tshobeni, Mhlongo from Golden Arrows, Naledi Hlongwane from Kaizer Chiefs, and we also brought in Mondli Mpoto from Royal AM because we saw the need to have three goalkeepers travelling to Egypt.

"We also brought in Levy Mashiane, a striker from Royal AM and Victor Letsoalo to strengthen our strike force. 

"I really want to thank all the players that came and supported, their attitude and commitment was very good, but we have to look at squad balance, especially in international football."

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