Cape Town - Orlando Pirates "won the battle" against the South African Football Association (SAFA) over their six players selected for the upcoming friendly against the Super Eagles of Nigeria next week, just three days before their crucial CAF Champions League encounter against Egyptian giants Zamalek at Orlando stadium on Saturday, August 17.
Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund, wasn't reluctant to release the players as he cherished the significance of their participation in the continental showpiece.
Igesund, 57, told the Kick Off website that he understands the Happy people’s decision to withdrew their players.
"It's a very important issue. The squad was announced last week and we received a letter from Pirates”, Igesund said.
However, the withdrawn players will be replaced by the SuperSport United newly signed duo of Bennet Chenene and David Mathebula.
Bafana will take on Nigeria on Wednesday, August 14 at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.
Kick-off is at 20:15.
Bafana Bafana coach, Gordon Igesund, wasn't reluctant to release the players as he cherished the significance of their participation in the continental showpiece.
Igesund, 57, told the Kick Off website that he understands the Happy people’s decision to withdrew their players.
"It's a very important issue. The squad was announced last week and we received a letter from Pirates”, Igesund said.
However, the withdrawn players will be replaced by the SuperSport United newly signed duo of Bennet Chenene and David Mathebula.
Bafana will take on Nigeria on Wednesday, August 14 at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.
Kick-off is at 20:15.