Cape Town - Chippa United midfielder Kurt Lentjies feels it is unfair that he is being blamed for an injury to Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
Kaizer Chiefs stopper Khune is a major doubt to feature for South Africa in back-to-back 2018 Soccer World Cup qualifiers against Senegal after he broke a bone in his face following a nasty collision with Lentjies five minutes from time in Sunday's Telkom Knockout win over Chippa.
Lentjies has come under fire, especially on social media, but the experienced Cape Town-born play-maker feels the criticism is unwarranted.
"The incident was just unfortunate. I wish Khune a speedy recovery, but does anyone care about what happened to me?
"I am here with a concussion and a dislocated shoulder. But that is not as important because I am not Mzansi's No 1," Lentjies told The New Age.
"Am I even a dirty player? Look at my career. I have always been an honest player and I would never go out to intentionally injure another player," he continued.
"But what is happening (the hostile social media) does not bother me. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. I am just surprised that no one even asked if I am fine or not."
Meanwhile Khune has requested to play against Senegal in a protective mask that has raised hopes of his availability for selection in Friday's match.
"Itu himself has asked us to prepare a mask‚ which means he’s hopeful. But that could be enthusiasm and ambition.
"The final decision will rest with the medical people," head coach Stuart Baxter said.
He is here with his teammates: pic.twitter.com/kSfSOImAsn
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 8, 2017
Did anyone seen kurt lentjies i just wanna talk pic.twitter.com/Z4u3NdqnmI
— strike mulaudzi (@StrikeMulaudzi) November 6, 2017
Kurt Lentjies doesn't want Bafana to go to Russia #TKO2017
— Raymond Wolf???? (@_RayWolf) November 5, 2017