SAFA and recently crowned South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns find themselves in an impasse over teenage sensation Siyabonga Mabena.
This comes after Mamelodi Sundowns allegedly refused to release the youngster for the Under 17 Africa Cup of Nations camp.
The 16-year-old recently broke into the Sundowns senior team and travels with the team for fixtures.
With the camp falling outside a FIFA-designated period, Sundowns were not necessarily obliged to release him.
Therefore, the club indicated he would only be available after their fixture against Golden Arrows in Durban.
The development meant the Under 17 coaches would have minimal time with the player as they look to finalise their squad this weekend.
According to an SN24 source, Sundowns were notified about the call-up in mid-March and knew about it all along.
“They said he was not available because of their engagements in the domestic league. But Sundowns have already won the league and the boy is not even a regular,” the source questioned Sundowns’ decision.
Sundowns arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday after their Wednesday fixture. SAFA need the talented midfielder to do MRI tests on Friday if he is to travel with the team to Algeria.
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The teenager is an integral part of the team, having won the Player of the Tournament after nine goals at the Under 17 Cosafa Cup held in Malawi last year. This was the tournament that secured them a place at the AFCON, set for Algeria later this month.
South Africa suffered a blow when three overseas players pulled out of the team.
Arron Rydell, who turns out for Nordsjaelland, Ajax sensation Lucas Jetten and Thuto Mojanang of Feyenoord are all ruled out due to school commitments.
The trio’s clubs have stated that the tournament is not in line with the FIFA calendar.
SAFA need to register the squad with CAF before Wednesday 19 April.