Soccer
Zondo calls for PSL support
2010-07-27 11:25
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Johannesburg - Coach Khabo Zondo has urged PSL clubs to release their starlets for national duty as Amajita aim to qualify for the African Youth Championship.
The South Africa U-20 team were humbled 2-0 by Lesotho at home last weekend - much to Zondo's obvious disappointment.
"A player like Siyanda Xulu could have been of great help to us but he was not released by his club. We actually sent a request to (Mamelodi Sundowns)," Zondo told the
Sowetan website.
"He didn't even know anything about it because he only heard about it from me when I asked him on Saturday at the stadium, where he had come to watch the game.
"We'd also asked for some players from Kaizer Chiefs but we were unsuccessful."
The former assistant Bafana boss also called for greater flexibility in allowing national players to move across the age groups.
"If age permits, I don't see why a player who has played for the senior national side cannot play for us. Nigeria used to do it when the likes of (Nwanko) Kanu - he would play for the Under-23s and would later go and play for the senior side," Zondo said.
Looking ahead to next week's return fixture, Amajita hope to sharpen their skills with two friendlies.
"Technical director Serame Letsoaka is trying to secure us two friendly matches, one during the week and the other at the weekend," Zondo said.
"Although nothing has been finalised, we are hoping to play the Kaizer Chiefs senior team."
Zondo added that his troops are highly motivated to reverse the deficit in Lesotho.
"I know the players know what's at stake. The thought of sitting around while other players are playing in the African Youth Championships will spur them on.
"They are young men with dreams, and one of those is playing in major championships," he concluded.
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