There was no game time for three Flames key players as the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) started at the weekend.
Defender Limbikani Mzava (Bloemfontein Celtic) and strikers Atusaye Nyondo (SuperSport United) and Robin Ngalande (Bidvest Wits) were all not featured as their teams started the 2012/13 PSL season.
Only defender Harry Nyirenda featured for Black Leopards as they beat Celtic 3-2 on Saturday whereas Robert Ng’ambi’s Platinum Stars were taking on Moroka Swallows as we went to press.
Flames coach Kinnah Phiri described the development as unfortunate in the countdown to next month’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final round qualification first leg against Ghana’s Black Stars.
“It is indeed worrisome that our boys continue to be reduced to the sidelines especially in the countdown to the Ghana game,†said Kinnah.
According to Escom United chairperson Fanuel Nkhono, Mzava is yet to be cleared as Celtic have not yet paid the player’s R176 000 (about K6.3 million) transfer-fee balance.
“Despite giving an assurance, Celtic are yet to wire the money and we are still waiting,†said Nkhono.
Nyondo was also not in action as SuperSport held Ajax Cape Town to a 1-all draw and Ngalande—who has just signed for Wits from Spanish side Atletico Madrid youth side— could also not get a run as the students went down 2-0 to Free State Stars.
