Heartbreak for Maphangule and Ramabu as Polokwane City Withdraws Duo from Bafana Bafana CHAN Squad at Last Minute
In a surprising turn of events, Polokwane City FC has withdrawn midfielders Ndamulelo Maphangule and Simon Ramabu from the Bafana Bafana squad just minutes before their departure to Malawi for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers. The players were reportedly asked to disembark the aircraft approximately 10 minutes prior to takeoff, leaving them visibly distressed as they exited the airport.
The club has not provided an official explanation for this last-minute decision, leaving both fans and officials puzzled. The withdrawal is particularly disheartening for the players, who were eager to represent South Africa on the international stage.
Ndamulelo Maphangule, a consistent performer in the Betway Premiership, had recently earned his first national team call-up. He was included in Hugo Broos’ squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, stepping in as a late replacement for the injured Patrick Maswanganyi. Maphangule’s inclusion was seen as a testament to his impressive form at the club level.
Simon Ramabu, on the other hand, was on the cusp of making his debut for Bafana Bafana. The 22-year-old midfielder has been instrumental for Polokwane City, notably scoring crucial goals against Marumo Gallants and Kaizer Chiefs in the previous season. His withdrawal from the national team setup denies him a significant opportunity to showcase his talent on a larger platform.
The abrupt nature of their removal from the squad raises questions about the communication and decision-making processes within the club. It also highlights the challenges players face when club commitments intersect with national duties.
As of now, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has not issued a statement regarding the incident. The situation underscores the need for clearer protocols and communication channels between clubs and the national team to prevent such occurrences in the future.
For Maphangule and Ramabu, the focus now shifts back to their club responsibilities. However, the disappointment of missing out on representing their country, especially under such circumstances, will undoubtedly linger.