Kaizer Chiefs team manager Bobby Motaung revealed on Tuesday that four players have been released to participate in the 2004 African Nations Cup qualifiers this weekend ahead of the crucial Vodacom Challenge final against TP Mazembe in Durban.

Amakhosi Player and Players' Player of the Year Stanton Fredericks and newcomer Jabulani Mendu will represent South Africa in the crucial Group 11 clash against Burundi in Bujumbura on Sunday. A draw will be enough to see Bafana qualify for Tunisia 2004 ahead of Ivory Coast.

Striker Sbusiso Dlamini, who was signed from Black Leopards last week, will travel to Tripoli with his native Swaziland for a Group 9 encounter against third-placed Libya on Friday.

The trio - Fredericks, Mendu and Dlamini - will miss the final on Sunday.

DR Congo striker Kabamba Musasa - who scored one of the goals in the 4-1 victory against his former club FC Lupopo in the semifinals in Mmabatho last Sunday - has been released to join his country in their game against Botswana in Gaborone on Saturday.

Good news for Amakhosi supporters is that the Congolese hitman will immediately fly back to South Africa after the match and will be available for selection in the game against Mazembe.

Speaking shortly after the arrival in Durban "Bobsteak" said preparations were well on track. "First we would like to wish Bafana Bafana good luck against Burundi and we are confident that they will represent us well," said Motaung.

"Sadly the other three players won't participate in the final but they should take pride in that they will be representing their countries."

Motaung said the emphatic victory against Lupopo was now water under the bridge and that the players were focused on bringing back the kudu horn trophy to South Africa.

Victory for Amakhosi will see them keep the original trophy as it will be their third win since the start of this popular annual tournament in 1999.

Archrivals Orlando Pirates, who face-off against Lupopo in the Third Place Play-off, won the inaugural competition in 1999 and Chiefs won the 2000 and 2001 editions but Lupopo spoiled the party last year when the they beat the home side 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Musasa.

Tournament organisers have scheduled a press conference on Wednesday at 11:00 to give the media an opportunity to speak to the teams.