The national team coach decided to release the Dutch-based midfielder from camp on Friday night after he complained of having a tight muscle with the intention of not having to face Botswana at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Igesund had told Serero on Thursday that he will start the match where Bafana Bafana needed nothing less than a win to go through to the play-offs, that is if Ethiopia failed to beat Central African Republic.
Bafana Bafana won 4-1 without Serero but it didn’t matter with Ethiopia also victorious.
Igesund revealed that Serero had his eyes on playing for Ajax Amsterdam next week in a Champions League clash with Barcelona, refusing to play for Bafana Bafana to avoid getting injured.
“The truth of the matter is that Thulani Serero turned his back on us because he wanted to play in the Champions League,” Igesund said. “I don’t like to make quick and hasty decisions. There are a lot of things to take into consideration. He is going to be called for a hearing and I will give my report to Safa. I have done what is right for the team and the country. Some might think that it is harsh but under no circumstances do I believe it was harsh.”
Following this incident, Serero has been rumoured to be considering retiring from international football.
“In life there are decisions to be made,” Igesund said.
“Thulani is playing for a big club in Holland, Ajax Amsterdam. If Thulani is talking about retirement that’s his choice. We live and die by the choices we make. I haven’t heard anything about him wanting to retire. If he feels he wants to retire and put his club first I would never victimise him for that.”
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