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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus has defended his decision to snub a last-minute call-up to the South Africa squad, stating he felt disrespected.
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A fortnight ago, Erasmus courted controversy when he rebuffed Bafana Bafana duty to replace striker Tokelo Rantie, who was forced to withdraw due to a personal commitment.
Erasmus then took to Twitter to express: "I'm no back-up player".
Thamsanqa Gabuza would eventually heed the Bafana call for their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia, which ended in a goalless draw.
Former Feyenoord youth player Erasmus has since revealed the storm that brewed after the refusal to honour his country.
"I stand up for what I believe. I'm not going to be a replacement for another player who doesn't pitch up," Erasmus told Soccer Laduma.
"If the coach wanted me to be a part of the national team, I'd be one of the first players selected as part of the striking force, not because someone didn't turn up.
"It's disrespect and that's why I tweeted what I did. I've got my values and I've got my pride - I stand up for what I believe in. It's sad.”
