Plaatjies not with Brave Warriors

BRAVE Warriors coach Ben Bamfuchile and his technical staff decided not to call up forward Sidney Plaatjies after the Jomo Cosmos player declared that he would not be available for the national team.

Bamfuchile late last week announced a squad of 26 players to prepare for an African Nations Cup qualifier against Libya in Windhoek on June 2. Bamfuchile earlier said he would call up Plaatjies, but his name was omitted from the list of players who went into camp yesterday.Plaatjies (26) said it was unprofessional for Bamfuchile to leave him on the bench during their first-leg match against Libya earlier this year.Plaatjies said the coach had to give him reasons why he was left on the bench and that it was his right to know as a professional.Plaatjies broke the story of his retirement from international football to The Namibian Sport about a month ago, after which Bamfuchile reacted that he was disappointed but still had faith in him.The Namibian Sport tried to contact Plaatjies yesterday, but to no avail.Several football experts said that Plaatjies was disrespectful and had to accept the decisions of the coach.A football agent, who requested anonymity, yesterday said the player should never be called up again, as there are many other players who want to be part of the national team, “even if they are left on the bench”.The agent said Plaatjies was still a young player and did not realise how important it is to play for the national team and to keep a professional career going.”Clubs want professional players who are constantly involved with their national teams.It shows that they are superior players and are highly regarded in their countries.Clubs only pick the best and it will be difficult for Plaatjies to have a consistent club career if he already undermines his country at that age,” said the agent.A Brave Warriors fan, who also requested not to be named, said that Bamfuchile should call the player up next time.”I think the coach should call him up and leave him on the bench again to learn a lesson,” said the supporter.A source with the national team yesterday said Bamfuchile had decided not to call up the player for any future matches.Bamfuchile earlier said he would call up Plaatjies, but his name was omitted from the list of players who went into camp yesterday.Plaatjies (26) said it was unprofessional for Bamfuchile to leave him on the bench during their first-leg match against Libya earlier this year.Plaatjies said the coach had to give him reasons why he was left on the bench and that it was his right to know as a professional.Plaatjies broke the story of his retirement from international football to The Namibian Sport about a month ago, after which Bamfuchile reacted that he was disappointed but still had faith in him.The Namibian Sport tried to contact Plaatjies yesterday, but to no avail.Several football experts said that Plaatjies was disrespectful and had to accept the decisions of the coach.A football agent, who requested anonymity, yesterday said the player should never be called up again, as there are many other players who want to be part of the national team, “even if they are left on the bench”.The agent said Plaatjies was still a young player and did not realise how important it is to play for the national team and to keep a professional career going.”Clubs want professional players who are constantly involved with their national teams.It shows that they are superior players and are highly regarded in their countries.Clubs only pick the best and it will be difficult for Plaatjies to have a consistent club career if he already undermines his country at that age,” said the agent.A Brave Warriors fan, who also requested not to be named, said that Bamfuchile should call the player up next time.”I think the coach should call him up and leave him on the bench again to learn a lesson,” said the supporter.A source with the national team yesterday said Bamfuchile had decided not to call up the player for any future matches.