Mashaba downplays Erasmus rift

Cape Town - Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has downplayed the rift caused by Kermit Erasmus’ refusal to honour a late call-up as a replacement to the squad.

Before calling up Thamsanqa Gabuza to the squad as replacement striker for Tokelo Rantie, coach Mashaba had earmarked Erasmus as the best player to fill in.

Rantie has a wedding commitment at the weekend, though, that clashes for Bafana duty.

However, Erasmus did not avail himself for selection and went on to blast the coach for suggesting that he was a fringe player.

Erasmus took to Twitter to express his scorn.

In response, Mashaba said there were no problems between himself and any South African player.

"You know, I'm a father. I hate this thing, I'm at loggerheads with players. I got kids at home that I look after them and I give them the same treatment," Mashaba told KickOff.

"What is it that can make me fight with players? Ours is to play football. Play football and it is finished and we're all happy."

Bafana take on Gambia in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, June 13.

Kick-off is at 15:00.