Rodgers focuses on Bafana, not move

Eleazor Rodgers has put his expected move away from Santos off until he completes his national duties in the next three weeks.

Eleazor Rodgers has put his expected move away from Santos off until he completes his national duties in the next three weeks.

Published Jun 1, 2012

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Eleazor Rodgers has put his expected move away from Santos off until he completes his national duties in the next three weeks.

“A lot has been written, but nothing has been decided because I want to focus on the national team camp for now,” Rodgers said at the Bafana Bafana training camp in Rustenburg on Wednesday.

The player confirmed interest, but no actual meetings, from the country's big three clubs.

“There has been interest from Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs... I've heard the talks about Orlando Pirates,” Rodgers said.

“But none have approached me directly.”

The gangly Bafana striker, with three international caps, turns out for Santos, who are fighting for their Premiership status in the promotion-relegation playoff matches.

Rodgers and Orlando Pirates rookie Tokelo Rantie have been in sharp form at training sessions in camp.

This should give national coach Pitso Mosimane an appreciated headache on who to field up front in his starting XI, outside of the favoured Katlego Mphela and Siyabonga Nomvethe.

Bafana play Ethiopia at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Sunday, and Botswana in Gaborone next week.

Rodgers believed he had improved as a player as he grasped the requirements at international level.

“I have more experience than before and I'm in good form right now,” he said.

“If I am given a chance, it would be nice for me to score.”

Bafana's five strikers in the squad have a total of 60 goals this season, with Rodgers accountable for 13 and the second spot in the league's scoring charts.

“It's great to be here. It's a great feeling for anybody to represent Bafana,” he said.

“I've just had my best Premiership season, considering that I came back from some injuries.

“This level is much more competitive, and difficult, so I'll need to keep on working.

“It's great to be here with Steven Pienaar, and getting to know other local players.” – Sapa

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