Carlos Alberto Parreira is unhappy with the South Africa FA

South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira criticised the county's football association after failing to secure all the players he called up for the Cosafa Cup semi-final against Botswana.

Parreira called up 18 home-based players for the semi-final of the regional Cosafa Cup, but has had to make six changes to his squad after two clubs refused to release their players.

Major clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows said they would not allow their players to take part as they have a cup match scheduled the same day.

This is despite the South African Football Association (Safa) having previously asked the Premier Soccer League not to schedule any major games on the same weekend.

"It will be a big shame if the country does not realise where its priorities lie for the next two and a half years," said Parreira, referring to South Africa's hosting of the 2010 World Cup finals.

The Brazilian was brought in by South Africa at the start of the year to build a competitive team for the 2010 tournament.

"South Africa football needs to get it priorities right. I am angry, unhappy and disappointed about this lack of co-operation," he said.

"These matches are vital for me to identify new talent for the future," he said.

"There is a matter of principle at stake. I have come here not for the money but for professional work and the challenge.

"To do well in 2010, we must take advantage of all the international matches we have."

Safa had asked for the 28 September as the date for the match against Botswana, hoping the league might be able to switch around League Cup first round fixtures.