All is forgotten as Baxter turns to Rantie
No place for Serero in squad; Zungu is back
Tokelo Rantie will make a return to Bafana Bafana even though he has not been disciplined for snubbing the national team last year.
Safa had promised to take strong action against the striker for his no-show for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
Thulani Serero and May Mahlangu are other players who should have received harsh punishment for snubbing Bafana previously, but Safa have not followed through.
Baxter, however, described Turkey-based Rantie as an asset and feels the Nigerian team Bafana are set to play in the 2019 Afcon qualifier in Uyo on June 10 will be scared when they see the striker’s name on the team sheet. The match will be played at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Rantie caused havoc for the Nigerians with a brace in the 2-2 draw during the 2015 Afcon qualifiers. As the new coach, Baxter would not inherit old drama.
“The disciplinary [matter] was before me. I am sure when Tokelo comes back, the association will be speaking to him and they will clear that up.
“I saw Tokelo playing against Nigeria and he scared them to death. They will not want to see his name on the team sheet.”
Kamohelo Mokotjo is set for an operation on his thumb, but he’ll join the squad when they assemble for camp on June 4.
“He will have an operation on his hand. He is selected because we think he can train while he is recuperating.”
Baxter said he looked forward to working with Ajax Amsterdam outcast Thulani Serero, but said it would be unfair to pick the player now when he has not played much football.
“I’ve had contact with Serero. I don’t think it’s fair to him and the squad because he’s had about 800 minutes of football. Once he gets a new address, I look forward to working with him.”