Rulani Mokwena clarifies Cassius Mailula statement

Mokwena then told journalists he would have preferred to see the player feature for the under-23 national team, who were also involved in crucial AFCON qualifiers against Congo-Brazzaville.

The coach says he may have been misunderstood, and explained why he felt Mailula would have been better suited with the U23s than the senior side.

"I actually had a very interesting discussion offline with Mazola about this thing about Cassius, and maybe I was misinterpreted because a lot of people thought I was saying Cassius is not ready for Bafana," said Mokwena.

"But how can Cassius be ready to play for Sundowns against Al Ahly – who makes that decision? And then I contradict myself and say he's not ready [for the national team].

"I've said this very clearly – offensive players get better by being on the pitch. I would have loved to see Cassius on the pitch for 90 minutes against Congo, even away, than to have him come on for 15-20 minutes for Bafana.

"Intensity, pressure to help the nation qualify – these are games of consequence, and I would have loved [for] him to get those 90 minutes and carry the national team, and be under pressure."