Serero back from football wilderness
BAFANA Bafana coach Stuart Baxter hopes the past will count very little when his 23-man squad hosts Nigeria later this month in pursuit of a result that will edge them closer to qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations next year.
The Super Eagles have over the years become South Africa’s hoodoo side and it wasn’t until June last year in Uyo that Bafana beat them for the very first time in a qualifying match.
“I don’t fear them or the fact that they have rejuvenated their team. I fear getting into our shell,” Baxter said, who stressed further that he believed he’d picked a strong enough squad to beat Nigeria, log leaders in Group E, again.
“I don’t fear them, but respect their quality. It’s my job to make sure that is not the case. I can handle a bad result, but what I can’t handle is if we bottle it and not give them the game we think we can give them.”
Meanwhile, Thulani Serero, a prodigal son of South African football, will have to prove to his national teammates that he, too, wants to help get Bafana Bafana to next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
It’s the assertion from coach Stuart Baxter after he recalled the Dutchbased attacking midfielder back to the squad following a year out in the cold, although it was Serero who made it clear he would only feature for Bafana if he is guaranteed playing time.
Due to injuries to key players Baxter thought Serero would be useful against the Super Eagles.
Dean Furman, Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly and Kamohelo Mokotjo are all still on the mend and unavailable for this month’s fixture.
“I want the other boys to see the real Thulani and like him,” said Baxter, who was forced to withdraw the player ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier at home against Senegal a year ago.
Baxter yesterday said he included Serero without being pushed by anyone to do so.
“Serero said he wanted to play again,” the coach explained. “His return is unconditional – and he assured me this was the case. He is national team material and an impact player. My assumption is that anyone can make a poor decision and that Thulani made a poor decision at the time. But he gets a second chance with me.”
“He has qualities we will need, the mobility and the vision to see a pass and the one on one in tight areas. Thulani expects no guarantees. His return is unconditional.
“If I decide to substitute him with a few minutes to go for a defender, it is important for Thulani to know that he will get on with it without conditions.”
FULL BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD: Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Darren Keet (Wits) Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Chiefs), Motjeka Madisha (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (Maritzburg United), Innocent Maela (Orlando Pirates), Thulani Hlatshwayo, S’Fiso Hlanti, Buhle Mkhwanazi (all Wits), Thamsanqa Mkhize (Cape Town City)
Midfielders: Vincent Pule, Thembinkosi Lorch (all Pirates), Fortune Makaringe (Maritzburg), Lebohang Maboe, Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda (all Sundowns), Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport), Thulani Serero (Vitesse)
Strikers: Lebo Mothiba (Strasbourg), Percy Tau (Royal Union), Dino Ndlovu (Zhejiang), Themba Zwane (Sundowns)