BAFANA Bafana received a timely boost with the news that top striker Shaun Bartlett will be released early for the crucial second leg African Nations Cup qualifier against Gabon in Libreville on Saturday. A clash of fixtureS with the Gabon match saw Swiss club FC Zurich reluctant to release Bartlett early for the match. Bartlett, who scored one of the four goals which sank Gabon last month, will be a key figure in coach Trott Moloto’s plans, especially in the absence of lanky Bari striker Phil Masinga, also released from international duty as his Italian-based club has an important fixture over the same weekend. Also out is number one goalkeeper Hans Vonk, who will also be engaged in a club fixture for Dutch-based Heereenven.