Bafana players want Shakes out - reports

Cape Town - Following the controversial decision by Kamohelo Mokotjo not to honour future Bafana Bafana call-ups, South African players are beginning to come out of the shadows, joining him in voicing their concerns about Shakes Mashaba’s coaching capabilities.

Sport24 last week reported that Mokotjo admitted he felt Mashaba had a problem with him, saying: “It's really a personal thing. He selected me just to silence the critics. Everyone wants me to play.”

A day later, the 25-year-old took to his official Instagram account confirming his intent by not honouring future call-ups.

According to Times Live, a number of unnamed players confessed their grievances on Mashaba's tactics, team selection and favouritism.

The players, who wished to remain anonymous, are finding it increasingly difficult showing up for national training camps as they believe the 65-year-old coach is lagging behind in the technical department.

Bafana Bafana recently came off a bad spell of games having drawn their recent Africa Cup of Nations home and away fixtures against Cameroon. Their AFCON qualification is now hanging by a thread and their fate could be sealed by the end of June depending on other results in Africa.

One player said that Mashaba's knowledge of South Africa’s opposition is the reason why Bafana Bafana are badly positioned in their qualifying group.

According to the player, it has put them into the position they are right now and the coach's “old school” way of coaching is not helping matters.

Another went on to say that training sessions are no longer a surprising element in the national camp and feels that when it comes to selecting players, Mashaba has his favourites.

Meanwhile, the players feel that communication between themselves and SAFA is stagnant and that in order for change to happen they will open up to the media instead.

Mashaba’s charges next face Gambia on Saturday, June 4 in an AFCON qualifier.