This comes after the Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, hit out at the Premier Soccer League clubs for not having the best interests of the national team at heart.

Mokwena rubbished reports that the PSL clubs are trying to sabotage the national team and accused them of returning players with injuries.

“It's a very, very difficult situation with Bafana. We can't even communicate with the medical department.

“We don't know the itinerary of Bafana. We don't know the training programme of Bafana.

“We don't get training feedback in relation to the player workload, there's no data.

“So, the cooperation with Bafana frustrates us a little bit. Because as Sundowns we are the first to always, over the years, show a willingness to support the nation.

“To support the cause and release as many personnel, including support structures, from Sundowns going to represent Bafana Bafana."

“In relation to the country's cause, Sundowns has always put Bafana - in certain moments - ahead of its own cause.

“It's a bit disappointing that even after the previous camp, Thapelo Morena returned injured. He's not back yet and we're still trying to get him back into the groove by giving him a couple of minutes.

“Of course, he has returned to fitness, returned to training and playing but at the moment he still isn't in the right competitive shape to be ready.

“Then you have the situation of Mothobi Mvala, who is so important for us, particularly for this African sojourn and this assignment with his physicality.

“With also his ability to win aerial duels and his ability to control and give us a bit more competitiveness in midfield.

“Then he comes back from Bafana and he's injured you know, then also Rushine de Reuck in our previous match against Swallows doesn't finish the game as a precautionary measure.”

The champions, Sundowns, face Golden Arrows on Wednesday afternoon in their next PSL game.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport