Bafana Bafana’s interim coach, Molefi Ntseki, has released Orlando Pirates forward Monnapule Saleng, along with several other players, ahead of the second leg of the CHAN qualifiers in Egypt.

Bafana’s makeshift team drew 1-1 with Egypt on Sunday, with Jamie Webber scoring the equalizer for Ntseki’s side.

South Africa will face Egypt away from home on Sunday, March 9, 2025, following their 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein three days prior.

“Nduduzo Mhlongo from Golden Arrows, Naledi Hlongwane from Kaizer Chiefs, and Monnapule Saleng and Azola Tshobeni from Orlando Pirates have all been released. The new arrivals are: Victor Letsoalo from TS Galaxy, and Mondli Mpoto and Levy Mashiane from Royal AM,” SAFA stated, without providing further details.

Ntseki explained, “So, what we did when we got to camp, we did a squad profile to see who is playing and who is better in which positions in terms of our approach. With us doing that, we also worked on the structure,” he said.  

“We realized that after the game in Bloemfontein, there are certain positions that we needed to reinforce, especially with us having to go and play Egypt in Egypt. 

“So, we have released a few of our players that came to camp last week. We have brought in a few of the players in terms of the squad balance. We had to thank them by releasing these players back to their clubs.” 

Ntseki and his team will travel to Egypt on Thursday, March 6, 2025. He expressed his hope to provide other players with an opportunity to prove their worth in the CHAN team.

“The players that are here will give us a very good balance, so we are looking forward to giving other players a chance like those that were given a chance against Egypt in the first leg. They did well and we are very positive with what we have in camp going into Egypt. We know they will be giving their best and the best for their country.”