Mamelodi Sundowns star attacker Phakamani Mahlambi’s hopes of going to the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Egypt next month have been dashed!
He has been kicked out of the Bafana Bafana camp for the COSAFA Cup in Durban on disciplinary grounds.
It’s alleged that the 21 year-old arrived at the camp on Sunday evening under the influence of alcohol and the technical team has since resolved to release him from the camp as they aim to lay down the law.
Mahlambi has been part of this national U23 dominated squad that will play its first game against Botswana in KwaMashu on Sunday.
It’s believed that he will be replaced by Cape Town City flying winger Gift Links. Earlier this week, Bafana COSAFA Cup coach David Notoane tried to downplay this issue.
About four to five players who excel in this Bafana Bafana COSAFA Cup camp in Durban, stand a chance of going to the AFCON tournament in Egypt.
Head coach Stuart Baxter and his assistant Molefi Ntseki accompanied by the newly appointed member of the technical team and Bafana legend Mark Fish, arrived in camp on Tuesday.
Mahlambi, who joined Sundowns at the beginning of this season from Egyptian giants Al Ahly, scored the goal that won the Brazilians their ninth Absa Premiership title two weeks ago. He has been having disciplinary issues since his return to the country.
SABC Sport understands that even at Sundowns, there’s already been more than one case of ill-discipline involving the former Bidvest Wits attacker.
Notoane who is also the reserve team coach at the Chloorkop, says without discipline there’s no professional player. – Report by Velile Mnyandu
