Bafana Bafana striker Tokelo Rantie is still interested in representing the national team, according to his mentor Farouk Khan.
“Rantie still has the desire to play for Bafana Bafana. He asked coach Stuart Baxter to excuse him for the previous two matches because he is still nursing an injury and that’s why he has been missing for his team. I think Safa need to work on their communication. It happened to Thulani Serero and with Rantie. They should handle these matters better," Khan told the media.
The Stars of Africa Academy director is the man behind Rantie's prominence.
Rantie was left out of Bafana's side 3-1 win over Burkina Faso following his dismissal for Genclerbirligi, but ironically others such as Eric Mathoho who got dismissed on national duty was selected.
“Rantie was very angry when the coach told him that he decided to leave him out because he had received a red card for his club," he added.
"He felt it was unfair on him because other players got national call ups even though they had got red cards in their respective teams. Rantie felt they were not treated fairly but he is over that one," Khan said.
Rantie has developed a love-hate relationship with the national team in the last few years, but he remains the country's leading marksman given the country's short supply in that department.
He has netted 12 goals in 40 matches, and has become the country's go-to-guy in front of goals, taking over from Katlego Mphela, Bernard Parker and the legendary Benni McCarthy.
Despite his latest outburst and apparent differences with Baxter, the Free State-born still harbours ambition to don the colours of the national team.
"If the coach decides to call him again, he will avail himself. He still wants to represent his country and he knows what it is like to play for Bafana," Khan added.
"He has scored three goals against Nigeria and that’s a clear indication that he always gives his all whenever he dons that Bafana jersey," he concluded.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=640&quality=60)