BBC SPORT | Football | Africa | Mashaba refuses to back Radebe

The dispute between South Africa coach Shakes Mashaba and defender Lucas Radebe rumbles on.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport Online, Mashaba refused to give assurances over Radebe's future as captain of the Bafana Bafana.

I haven't replaced anybody, we don't have a fixed captain

South Africa coach Shaks Mashaba

Mashaba was highly critical of Radebe, labelling him "dishonest" after the Leeds defender ruled himself out of the African Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Burundi.

Radebe has told South African Football Association officials that Leeds failed to inform him of the international call-up.

But Mashaba remained tight-lipped over Radebe, who captained South Africa in the World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.

Radebe keen to heal rift

Mashaba refused to confirm whether Radebe would be replaced as captain.

He said: "I'm not going to talk about Lucas.

"I have 25 players here in camp who are looking forward to playing for their country.

Leeds South African defender Lucas Radebe
Radebe's status as South African captain is under question

"I haven't replaced anybody, we don't have a fixed captain.

"We have four or five players who are captains of their teams, and it's important to give them that respect."

"I don't know why there's so much concern about Lucas being captain."

Mashaba also called for tighter action from Fifa on players who fail to turn up for international duty.

The South African coach is also likely to be without Shaun Bartlett for the clash with Burundi after the Charlton Athletic midfielder pulled out of the squad.

New twist in Radebe row

He said: "This is a problem throughout the whole of Africa.

"It's not just in South Africa or during me reign as coach.

"This is a policy matter and it needs to be directed towards Fifa and the confederations of African football."


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