SAFA recently lodged a request to the League in order to have several fixtures moved so as to help Bafana coach Stuart Baxter with preparations for their all-important final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Libya, which has been scheduled for March 22.
With the FIFA date set to commence just four days prior to the match, it would prove a nightmare to get the squad assembled in time and prepare adequately for the encounter that will decide the national team’s AFCON faith.
According to Baxter, the League have since granted the Association’s request by bringing forward a number of fixtures scheduled for 16 and 17 March.
McCarthy – Bafana’s all-time leading goal scorer – has lauded this sort of cooperation and believes it is imperative to the future success of the national team.
“It’s important that the federation [SAFA] and the PSL has a sound relationship, because ultimately the national team is dependent on the club’s players,” commented McCarthy.
“We want our national team to compete and qualify for major competitions like the AFCON and the World Cup, and that hasn’t been the case in the last few years.
“So, if the League can help by making more time for Bafana to have good preparation for important games [such as this against Libya], then so be it. I think it’s good.”