SuperSport United interim coach Andre Arendse has shared some insight on how he had to make a difficult decision regarding SA Junior International Neo Rapoo.
Rapoo is part of the Amajita squad for the 2025 AFCON U-20 tournament in Egypt. He missed the opening match where the SA Under-20 side lost 1-0 to hosts Egypt on Sunday evening in Cairo.
The 19-year-old had to remain behind to play for SuperSport United in their Betway Premiership match against Polokwane City FC on Saturday. He has since joined his national teammates, coached by Raymond Mdaka, ahead of the second match against Tanzania on Wednesday.
SUPERSPORT UNITED COACH EXPLAINS DECISION TO DELAY NEO RAPOO FOR AFCON
Arendse has since explained why it was a difficult decision to keep Rapoo on the SuperSport team, as they always wanted him to realise his dreams.
“I had to make a very difficult decision where Neo Rapoo is concerned. I had to keep him back for this game,” said Arendse.
NEO RAPOO PROVES ANDRE ARENDSE RIGHT ON WHY HE HAD TO STAY BEHIND
“He understood that, and he showed why I kept him back. The importance that he brought from a defensive perspective and also from a set-piece delivering perspective, and he was fantastic against [PLK City]. In fact, I thought we should have got one or two more headed goals from his delivery from wide areas.
“So I am so happy that he proved me right that I had to put him back, and now he can go and join up with the team.
“The fact that it was a difficult decision for me was just that. But I am one of those coaches, and I have been there before. Your national teams are where your dreams lie and opportunities arise. It would not have been fair for me to keep him from that, and what opportunities could come from that.”
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