Firstly, we wish to categorically state that we are a patriotic entity that has always supported our soccer in the country ever since we were readmitted into the international world of sports after 1992.

We have always recognized and adhered to all procedures pertaining to the National Call-ups (request) of our players and we have duly released them on time as per the stipulations of the nature of the request.

We therefore feel obligated to protect the interest of our player Emile Baron particularly after realizing that the current saga between him, Safa and the National Coach has turned into an unsavoury state of affairs.

Whilst we regret his decision to “retire” from representing his country, we feel it is important to put the matter into proper perspective to erase all doubts of his intended desires and wishes to represent his country.

For the record, our internal procedures maintain that we respond to any written request for our players after consultation with our coach, management and the player. This allows us to make the necessary adjustment should the absence of such a player affect the entire team both administratively and on the field of play.

Once we are satisfied with all communiqué both internally and externally, we send our players with our full blessings to represent us, our supporters, and officials into the National Team or in any other assignment requested from us.

In the case of Emile Baron, Kaizer Chiefs received a faxed letter of request on the 26th December 2005 at 14:27. At this time, Kaizer Chiefs offices had been officially closed for the December festive season on the 22nd December 2005 at 13:00 whilst our players, including Emile Baron were engaged (on the same date) against Black Leopards in Thohoyandou/Limpopo.

The letter was received on the 09th January 2006 when Kaizer Chiefs offices were opened. The irony in the letter dated the 26th December 2005 is that it was faxed to the Kaizer Chiefs offices at 14:27pm whilst other selected players had reported for camp at 09:00 on the same date.

According to Emile, one player first contacted him and in turn he asked that player to connect him to any official present at that time. He states that some official berated him for not reporting for training contacted him on the afternoon of the same day to enquire about his whereabouts.

It must be noted that up until the first contact by the said official, there had been no mention of Emile Baron in the very first (37 man) squad that was announced at a press conference after Mr Ted Dimitru’s selection.

The only request that Kaizer Chiefs honoured was on the 09th December 2005 when Masters, Rowen Fernandez, Arthur Zwane, Scara Ngobese, and Jimmy Tau interrupted their training preparation for their game against Orlando Pirates fixtured for the 10th December 2005 to participate in a meeting that was called by the Head Coach, Mr. Ted Dimitru.

It was in this meeting that Ted explained to the attendees that he was going to announce his selection on the 22nd December 2005 and expect the selected players to report for duty on the 26th December 2005.

On the 26th December 2005, Ted Dimitru contacted Baron and expressed his disappointment that he (Baron) had turned his back on the nation and his actions warranted some kind of discipline from soccer authorities.

In response, Baron immediately announced his retirement from international competition on the 27th December 2005 after it had become obvious that his call-up had some inconsistencies.

On the 29th December 2005, the Kaizer Chiefs Team Manager, Mr Bobby Motaung confirmed in the Kaizer Chiefs Website that the club had not been officially informed of the call-ups following a series of reports from media and Safa.

In the light of the above, the Management of Kaizer Chiefs expresses its disappointment over the manner in which the call-up of Emile Baron was handled.

Whilst we advised him against his announcement of his early retirement, we are certain that there was a glaring omission of both procedure and that some communication inadequacies may have affected Baron’s call-up and subsequently created an impression that Kaizer Chiefs and its players are unpatriotic to the National foot balling course.

In finding solutions to the matter, Kaizer Chiefs held a meeting with Baron to establish the gist of the problem and to assist him with the impending disciplinary hearing should such be sanctioned.

Baron has expressed his remorse and indicated that he only responded to the treatment that was meted out against him following the obvious discrepancies in his call-up. He assured Management that he is still committed to fight his way into the National Team should he be presented with such a chance.

He regrettably viewed his reaction as a spur-of-the-moment outburst that was inspired by his frustration with the officials and the threats of suspension from the National Coach. He also apologised for bringing the team into disrepute and promised to apologise to the management of the National Team and the entire South African community for acting in that manner.

It must also be noted that our Head Coach, Ernst Middendorp has always encouraged our players to aspire to represent their country at any international event since this is their greatest achievement and honour in their football career.

He has also emphasised that any participation at international level will help enhance their knowledge of football and anticipated that such skill and knowledge will be shared at club level.

For enquiries: Thebe Mohatle (011) 9411465 or 0829910927